Does nutritional intake differ between children with autism spectrum disorders and children with typical development?

J Autism Dev Disord. 2009 Feb;39(2):212-22. doi: 10.1007/s10803-008-0606-2. Epub 2008 Jul 4.

Abstract

Consumption of macro- and micronutrients and food group servings by children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs; n = 46) and typical development (n = 31) were compared using 3-day diet records. Children with ASDs consumed significantly more vitamin B6 and E and non-dairy protein servings, less calcium, and fewer dairy servings (p < .05). The significantly lower dairy serving intake persisted after controlling for child age and sex and parental dietary restrictions, and excluding children on the gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet. Large proportions of children in both groups did not meet national recommendations for daily intake of fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin E, and vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dairy Products / statistics & numerical data
  • Diet / standards
  • Diet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Diet Records
  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats
  • Dietary Fiber / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Dietary Supplements / statistics & numerical data
  • Eating*
  • Energy Intake
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Micronutrients / administration & dosage
  • Nutrition Assessment*
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Parents / psychology
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Micronutrients