Differences in food consumption and nutritional intake between children with autism spectrum disorders and typically developing children: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorders show higher food selectivity, which restricts consumption of some foods and may cause nutritional deficiencies. The aims of this meta-analysis are to determine the overall differences in nutritional intake and food consumption between children with autism spectrum disorder and control (typical development) children, as well as determine the extent to which the nutritional intake and food consumption of autistic children comply with the dietary recommendations. Children with autism spectrum disorder consume less protein (standardized mean difference = −0.27, 95% confidence interval (−0.45, −0.08)), calcium (−0.56 (−0.95, −0.16)), phosphorus (−0.23 (−0.41, −0.04)), selenium (−0.29 (−0.44, −0.13)), vitamin D (−0.34 (−0.57, −0.11)), thiamine (−0.17 (−0.29, −0.05)), riboflavin (−0.25 (−0.45, −0.05)) and vitamin B12 (−0.52 (−0.95, −0.09)) and more polyunsaturated fat acid (0.27 (0.11, 0.44)) and vitamin E (0.28 (0.03, 0.54)) than controls. Autistic children also consume less omega-3 (−0.83 (−1.53, −0.16))and more fruit (0.35 (0.12, 0.59)) and vegetables (0.35 (0.09, 0.61)) than control children; however, these results must be considered with care due to the low number of studies included in the analysis and the high heterogeneity. The results also suggest a lower intake of calcium, vitamin D and dairy and a higher intake of fruit, vegetables, protein, phosphorus, selenium, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B12 than recommended.

Relationship between Autistic Traits and Nutrient Intake among Japanese Children and Adolescents

“…In the most recent meta-analysis of 19 studies [ 10 ], Esteban-Figuerola et al (2019) also found that children with ASD consumed less protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12 than those without ASD. However, children with ASD consumed the same amount of carbohydrates, fat, magnesium, iron, zinc, retinol, folic acid, and pantothenic acid as typically developing children.…”

“…Despite growing evidence for the relationship between ASD and food selectivity in children [ 8 , 9 ], limited information is currently available on the relationship between ASD and nutrient intake. Previous studies compared the nutrient intake of ASD children and typically developing children [ 8 , 10 ]. A recent review reported inconsistencies in the extent and type of nutrient intakes; however, limited macronutrient and micronutrient intakes have been increasingly reported among children with ASD [ 10 ].…”

“…Previous studies compared the nutrient intake of ASD children and typically developing children [ 8 , 10 ]. A recent review reported inconsistencies in the extent and type of nutrient intakes; however, limited macronutrient and micronutrient intakes have been increasingly reported among children with ASD [ 10 ]. Additionally, the majority of studies on ASD children used clinical samples with potential concerns about the representativeness of the general population, which may have biased the findings obtained, as well as their interpretations [ 11 ].…”

Young Adults with High Autistic-Like Traits Displayed Lower Food Variety and Diet Quality in Childhood

“…Previous studies have identified that children with ASD have low fruit and vegetable intake (Chistol et al 2018;Emond et al 2010;Marshall et al 2014;Schreck et al 2004;Sharp et al 2013), and we identified low citrus intake specifically in those with higher autistic-like traits. However, some studies have found that children with ASD eat more fruit than those without ASD (Esteban-Figuerola et al 2019;Herndon et al 2009), while other studies reported no difference in fruit and vegetable (Cohen, 1988) Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ): measures autistic-like traits in the general population and ranges from 0 to 50. A higher score indicates more autistic-like traits.…”

Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Feeding Problems and Their Associations with Dietary Interventions, Food Supplement Use, and Behavioral Characteristics in a Sample of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…Selective children with ASD often prefer foods with low nutritional value and high in fat, salt, and sugar [19]. Children with ASD were shown to have a lower protein intake, and their diets may be low in micronutrients [47,48]. Food variety has been shown to be a predictor of nutritional status of children with ASD [49].…”