Analysis of Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Parents and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often report that their children are picky, restricted, and problem eaters. Additionally, it has been reported that children with ASD often experience gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, cramping, bloating, and diffuse pain. These factors raise concern for nutritional status of children with ASD, given that the refusal to consume particular foods coupled with the inability to tolerate, digest, and absorb these foods can compromise an individual's overall nutrition status. The aim of our study was to evaluate dietary intake in a group of 120 children aged 2-14 years who were served in an outpatient clinic over 18 months' time. Anthropometric data and 3-day food diaries were collected and evaluated by a licensed, registered dietician. The results indicate that the majority of participants consumed adequate calories, protein, fats, and carbohydrates. However, the majority of participants were deficient in vitamins A, D, B1, and folate, as well as calcium, magnesium, iodine, and potassium. Essential fatty acid intake was insufficient for all but 6 of the participants. Overall, the study revealed deficits in several key nutrients for the majority of participants.

A cross-sectional study on nutritional status and dietary patterns of children with autism

“…Selective eating and food aversion were also found among children with ASD. Children with ASD tend to prefer the same food repeatedly, which can result in a severely imbalanced diet (Barnhill et al, 2015). Research conducted by Evans et al (2012) has found that children with ASD consume more sweetened beverages and snacks, and fewer fruits and vegetables than typically developing children, which resembled our study outcomes.…”

Autistic traits associated with food neophobia but not olfactory sensitivity

“…Of particular interest to the present study is the influence of behavioural ridgity in restricted eating habits, which can be manifested by rituals in preparation and presentation (Jacobi et al, 2008). These factors are also indicative to those on the Autistic spectrum, and research has shown that childhood food neophobia is higher in those populations (Bandini et al, 2010;Barnhill et al, 2015). However, what remains unclear is to what extent these sorts of traits (i.e.…”

Nutrition Therapy Approaches in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…15 In a cross-sectional study of children with autism, dietary intake of vitamins A, B1, B12, D, and folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iodine, omega-3, omega-6, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid was found insufficient. 16 In a study conducted on children with ASD, it was seen that there was suboptimal nutrient intake. Vitamin D, calcium, and bone health should be taken care of.…”