Together for Health, Exercise & Participation
MITOcare is a proud partner of the German Down Sports Festival 2026 on September 12 in Wetzlar
Webinar for those interested in Down Syndrome
Micronutrients in Down Syndrome – What Does Science Say?
Webinar "Nutrient Supply in People with Down Syndrome" with our expert Dr. Simon Feldhaus
As part of our partnership with the German Down-Sportlerfestival, we have intensively examined the current state of research on Trisomy 21 & micronutrients together with Dr. Simon Feldhaus.
In this webinar, Dr. Feldhaus explains the most important findings in an understandable & practical way: What special considerations can play a role in micronutrient supply? Which nutrients are particularly in focus – and which ingredients are worth a closer look?
In addition to the webinar, you will find the underlying scientific sources and our derived selection of "nutrient heroes" on this page.
Note: This webinar is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute advice.
Research from our MITOcare Research Department – in collaboration with Dr. Simon Feldhaus
Study References
Overall, there is limited evidence regarding micronutrient status and requirements in Down syndrome. This group is significantly under-researched concerning supply status and metabolic particularities, with correspondingly few and methodologically robust (especially placebo-controlled) studies available.
However, there are relatively consistent and plausible indications of an altered metabolic profile:
- The enzyme CBS (Cystathionine-β-synthase), which co-regulates folate and homocysteine metabolism, is encoded on chromosome 21 and is present in three copies instead of two in Trisomy 21. Studies show that folate metabolism can become imbalanced, and a functional folate deficiency can occur despite normal intake (Pogribna et al. 2001 (10.1086/321262); Vione et al. 2021 (Frontiers | One-carbon pathway metabolites are altered in the plasma of subjects with Down syndrome:…))
However, it is unclear whether this finding translates into a clinical benefit of folate supplementation. A placebo-controlled study found no developmental effect here (Ellis et al. 2008 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39465.544028.AE). - Meta-analytically, the most well-supported findings are lower blood levels of zinc and selenium. The cause appears most likely to be insufficient intake, but the causality is unclear (Saghazadeh et al. 2017 Systematic review and meta-analysis shows a specific micronutrient profile in people with Down Syndr…).
- While individual studies report frequently low retinol levels for vitamin A (Ferraz et al. 2021 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jped.2021.04.003); Chávez et al. 2010 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anpedi.2009.10.024)), the same meta-analysis on a pooled level found no significant difference compared to controls (Saghazadeh et al. 2017/https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0175437 (Systematic review and meta-analysis shows a specific micronutrient profile in people with Down Syndr…)). Thus, the data here is inconsistent.
These findings describe plausible metabolic particularities and provide valuable starting points for a needs-based approach. However, research in this area is still in its early stages.
MITOcare Products in the Context of Our Research
Key Takeaways at a Glance
Which micronutrients are particularly in focus with Trisomy 21?
In the webinar, Dr. Simon Feldhaus explains which micronutrients may deserve special attention in connection with Trisomy 21. The basis for this are the scientific findings and physiological characteristics, which will be explained in more detail in the webinar.
The focus will include:
- Folate
- Antioxidant micronutrients
- Amino acids
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Coenzyme Q10 and PQQ
- Vitamins A, D and E
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Curcumin and Ginkgo
- Galactose
Which supplementation is appropriate in individual cases should always be considered individually. An analysis of one's personal micronutrient status can help to better assess one's own starting situation.
Note: The webinar and the information on this page are for general information purposes only. It does not constitute advice.
Our MITOcare "Nutrient Heroes"
The selection of ingredients also matters
Which ingredients will be critically assessed in the webinar?
A differentiated micronutrient supply means not only considering which nutrients may be beneficial, but also which ingredients should be examined more closely in the individual context.
In the webinar, Dr. Simon Feldhaus classifies various substances that he critically evaluates in connection with Down syndrome. These include:
- Chlorella
- Wheatgrass
- Milk thistle
- Goji berries
- Chaga mushroom
Since our products are generally complex in composition, we have not listed all individual products that contain these substances, but have instead deliberately made a selection: our "Nutrient Heroes" that do not contain these ingredients and can provide a sensible basic supply.
Important: This does not imply a general recommendation for or against individual ingredients for all people with Down syndrome. The individual health situation and care should always be considered and, if necessary, professionally supervised.
Our knowledge live at the Down-Sportlerfestival
Technical presentation by our co-founder Christian Burghardt
On September 12, 2026, we will be at the German Down Sports Festival in Wetzlar. In addition to our MITOcare team, our co-founder and physician Christian Burghardt will also be present and will give a lecture providing further insights into micronutrients and Trisomy 21.
For this purpose, we combine our scientific research with practical findings: In the run-up to the festival, selected individuals were accompanied individually and their current micronutrient status was analyzed. Christian Burghardt will contextualize these experiences at the festival and present them together with the findings of our expert team.
In this way, we want to make our knowledge not only digitally accessible but also share it directly with the community, people with Down syndrome, their families & all participants on site – and create space for exchange, encounters & new impulses regarding individual micronutrient supply.
