Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in every 91 US children.The nutritional status of children with autism may be compromised by common behaviors, such as aberrant mealtime behaviors, food aversions or selectivity, and gastrointestinal pathology.METHODS: This prospective study investigated the dietary intakes of children with autism aged 3-9 years (n=24).Three-day food records were analyzed to determine 1) macro and micronutrient intakes before and after self-supplementation of vitamins and minerals (SSVM) and 2) trends in the MyPyramid's food group selection.Descriptive statistics were used to derive mean nutrient intakes and the proportion with intakes ≥ 80% of Dietary Reference Intake (DRI).RESULTS: Nutrients commonly inadequate were those that are important for bone health (vitamins A, D, and K, with 58.3%, 58.3%, and 91.7% consuming intakes <80% DRI, respectively), digestion and metabolic pathways (pantothenic acid and biotin, with 54.2% and 54.2% consuming intakes <80% DRI), and brain health (choline and vitamin D with 95.8% and 58.3% consuming intakes <80% DRI).Vegetables and dairy were most frequently absent, with only 5 of 24 participants meeting recommended intakes for either group.Nutrient-contributing dietary supplements were reported as used daily by 45.8% of the sample (n=11).However, SSVM showed only marginal benefits in improving the proportion meeting reference intake levels.CONCLUSION: Great variation and areas of concern in nutrient intakes and food selection patterns were documented in this sample.Individualized nutrition assessment and counseling, especially regarding the use of appropriate supplementation, may be useful for children with Autism.iii DEDICATION Dedicated to my parents, Debra and Dennis, my big brother Jason
Author: Altenburger, Jena L.
Institution: The Ohio State University
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7033406176