Dietary status and nutrient intake of children with autism spectrum disorder: A case-control study

Background: Parents and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often report that their children are picky or problem eaters. Additionally, it has been reported that children with ASD often experience gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, cramping, bloating, and pain. These factors raise concerns for the nutritional status of children with ASD, given that refusal to consume particular foods coupled with the inability to tolerate, digest, and/or absorb these foods can compromise overall nutritional status. Method: This case-control study investigated dietary intake of 86 children with ASD aged 2-8 years and 57 age-matched peers without ASD. Caregivers of participants who met inclusion criteria completed a health history questionnaire, provided information on dietary intake and feeding behavior, and completed a nutrition physical. Results: The majority of participants (both with and without ASD) met or exceeded macro nutrient intake recommendations and dietary percentages for total energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat consumption. Approximately 25% of participants consumed an inadequate or borderline amount of total calories per day based on Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) guidelines created by US Institute of Medicine (IOM). The majority of participants consumed inadequate amounts of vitamins A, D, E, folic acid and calcium. Furthermore, children with ASD consumed lower levels of protein and calcium, and were deficient in a number of B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B6, and folate, compared to similarly-aged children without ASD. Conclusion: Given the impact of nutrition on growth and health status, a formal dietary assessment for all children with ASD is recommended.