Dietary Patterns, Eating Behavior, and Nutrient Intakes of Spanish Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Julio Plaza-Diaz,Antonio Rafael Gomez-Fernández,Juan Luis Perez-Navero,María José de la Torre-Aguilar,Angel Gil,Mercedes Gil-Campos,Pilar Martín-Borreguero,Katherine Flores-Rojas

doi:10.3390/nu13103551

Abstract

Eating behavior problems are characteristic of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with a highly restricted range of food choices, which may pose an associated risk of nutritional problems. Hence, detailed knowledge of the dietary patterns (DPs) and nutrient intakes of ASD patients is necessary to carry out intervention strategies if required. The present study aimed to determine the DPs and macro-and micronutrient intakes in a sample of Spanish preschool children with ASD compared to typically developing control children. Fifty-four children with ASD (two to six years of age) diagnosed with ASD according to the Diagnostic Manual-5 criteria), and a control group of 57 typically developing children of similar ages were recruited. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used, and the intake of energy and nutrients was estimated through three non-consecutive 24-h dietary registrations. DPs were assessed using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis. Children with ASD exhibited a DP characterized by high energy and fat intakes and a low intake of vegetables and fruits. Likewise, meat intake of any type, both lean and fatty, was associated with higher consumption of fish and dietary fat. Furthermore, the increased consumption of dairy products was associated with increased consumption of cereals and pasta. In addition, they had frequent consumption of manufactured products with poor nutritional quality, e.g., beverages, sweets, snacks and bakery products. The percentages of children with ASD complying with the adequacy of nutrient intakes were higher for energy, saturated fat, calcium, and vitamin C, and lower for iron, iodine, and vitamins of group B when compared with control children. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need to assess the DPs and nutrient intakes of children with ASD to correct their alterations and discard some potential nutritional diseases.

Highlights

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by disturbances in communication and social interaction and by the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, activities, and interests
A group of healthy children of similar age to that of the ASD group that came to the hospital for minimal surgery interventions with a normal detailed clinical history, general examination, anthropometric assessment, and control analysis to rule out any pathology was used as a control group
The intake of energy and nutrients was estimated from the data obtained through three non-consecutive 24-h dietary registrations (24-h-DR), registered by parents, including two weekdays and one weekend day, following the Guidance on the EU Menu Methodology of the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) [32]

Summary

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by disturbances in communication and social interaction and by the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, activities, and interests. These alterations are present from early childhood, some difficulties may not manifest until the environment’s demands exceed the child’s capacity [1]. For 2016, ASD prevalence in the USA was 18.5 per 1000 (one in 54) children aged eight years, and ASD was 4.3 times as prevalent among boys as among girls [2] It must be considered a serious public health problem. Eating behavior problems are characteristics of ASD [5,6,7]

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Conclusion