Nutrient Consumption among the Bangladeshi Children with Autism

ABSTRACT

Background: The prevalence of Autism in South Asia is 1 in 93 children, where, prevalence is much higher, 3% in Dhaka city of Bangladesh. Consumption of daily required nutrient is essential for these children like normal ones but sometimes may be neglected. Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess the macro and micronutrient consumption among the children with autism in Dhaka city and compared to the requirement.Material & Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 100 subjects where male-female ratio was 32, were studied from urban autism centers Dhaka, Bangladesh. Anthropometric parameters height, weight, BMI and 24-hour dietary recall (individual 3days) were collected following predesigned questionnaire. Data was collected from face to face interview from both parents and center抯 teacher as appropriate. Nutritive value of food was calculated using Food Composition Table for Bangladesh, 2014 using a food software. For statistical analysis, SPSS 20 was used.Results:The average age and BMI of subjects were 11 yrs and 21 kg/m2 respectively. The mean 盨Dvalues (g/day) of protein, fat and carbohydrate intake were 38�, 47� and 116� respectively. The average intake of (mg/day) thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, niacin, and zinc was 0.68�32, 0.46�23, 33�, 144�, 137�, 6.5� 11�and 5.2�respectively. About 94% children consumed only 33% of the required calcium. Nearly 42% children took 67% of the required magnesium. Similarly, half of the children failed to consume 33% thiamine and zinc of the requirement. Conclusions:Consumption of calcium, thiamine, folic acid, and zinc are seemed to be lower than their requirement.