Nutritional status in children aged 3 to 7 years with autism spectrum disorder at a special education institution in Chongqing City / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze and compare the nutritional status of children with autism spectrum disorders and typically developing children aged 3 to 7 years old at a special education institution in Chongqing so as to provide scientific basis for nutritional intervention. Methods: This study recruited 48 autistic children and 42 typically developing children. We made anthropometric measurement, dietary assessment and biochemical assessment. Results: WAZ and BAZ were found to be significantly lower in the children with ASD than those in typically developing children (P=0.032, 0.035). According to the dietary survey, the average daily intake of energy and three major nutrients were lower in the ASD group than in typically developing children (P<0.001). Both groups did not meet the national recommendations for daily intake of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folic acid, and calcium. The intake insufficiency of vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and calcium was significantly lower in the autistic children than that in typically developing children (P<0.001, P=0.001, and P<0.001). In addition, anemia and iron deficiency was not found in the two groups (anemia P=0.946; the reduction rate for MCV, MCH, and RDW P=0.535, 1.000, and 0.946). However, we found a significantly lower level of serum vitamin A in the autistic children (P=0.007). Conclusion: Children with ASD had more obvious nutrient deficiency. It suggests that clinicians need to carry out dietary intervention and individualized nutrition guidance for children with ASD.