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Dietary status and nutrient intake of children with autism spectrum disorder: A case-control study
Due to some concerns over nutritional status of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), this 2018 study compared the nutrient intakes of children with ASD with those without ASD. Parents and caregivers often report that children with autism spectrum disorder are picky or problem eaters. Moreover, many kids with ASD are unable to tolerate, digest, or absorb certain foods, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. The 86 children with ASD (aged 2-8 years) and the 57 peers without ASD (same age range) were assessed on dietary intake and feeding behavior. Most of the participants either met or over exceeded macronutrient intake recommendations and dietary percentages for total energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat consumption. But based on the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) guidelines, around 25% of the sample did not consume enough total calories per day. Moreover, the majority did not eat adequate amounts of vitamins A, D, E, folic acid and calcium. Specifically focusing on children with ASD, protein and calcium concentrations were lower, and deficiencies were identified in their intakes of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6) and folate, when compared with similarly aged children without ASD. [NPID: ASD, Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, brain development, cognition, communication, social skills, neurodevelopmental disorders, nutrient deficiencies, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, B vitamins, folate]
Year: 2018
