Nutrient intake profile, growth patterns and hemoglobin levels in children with ASD – A case control study in Mysuru, India

Abstract

BackgroundResearch evidence suggests that the prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasing in India. In addition to socio-behavioral problems, diet-related issues are common and recurrent problems experienced by children with ASD. As there is only minimal research work done on these aspects, the present study is carried out as a case control snapshot to investigate the nutrient intakes of ASD children (n = 104) residing in the Mysore region, India. This data is compared with the nutrient intakes of Typically Developing (TD) controls (n = 121). MethodsWe evaluated ASD severity using Indian Scale for assessment of autism (ISAA). All the children aged (2–15 years) were examined for anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels. Dietary intakes and mealtime behavior problems were assessed using three-day food records and food frequency questionnaires. ResultsSignificantly (p< = 0.05) lower ZHA, ZWA, ZBMIA values among ASD children were observed. Limited food variety and inadequacy of micronutrient intakes were observed and the ORs of ASD children were at 3.57-fold higher risk for failing to meet the recommendations for calcium. Their risk was 2.17-fold higher for iron, 3.06-fold for zinc, 2.92–fold for folate and 1.87-fold higher for vitamin C compared with the TD children. Overall, mealtime behavior issues and eating problems were higher (28.66%) among ASD than TD (10.51 %).Hemoglobin levels of ASD were significantly (p< = 0.05) lower than TD children. There was a negative partial correlation between Hb levels (8.97 ± 0.91 g/dL) and micronutrients viz., Iron (5.14 ± 2.83 mg), Calcium (2.52 ± 1.41 mg), Zn (2.81 ± 1.90 mg),Folate (83.48 ± 52.57 mg) and Vitamin B6 (0.47 ± 0.29 mg). We found that while controlling the ISSA scores (1.94 ± 0.62), there was no significant difference. Thus signifying ISSA score has strong influence on controlling the relationship between Hb levels and selected micronutrients. ConclusionObservations strongly indicate that well-timed nutritional screening and personalized dietary interventions can prevent/manage the nutritional deficiencies prevalent among ASD children of this region.