Nutrient intake and adequacy in children with autism spectrum disorder: EPINED epidemiological study.
Children with ASD—plus kids showing only mild traits—routinely miss vitamin D, fiber, and calcium, so screen diet at every assessment.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Sánchez-Gómez et al. (2023) tracked what kids with autism actually eat. They compared children with ASD, kids with some autism traits, and typically developing peers.
The team used the EPINED survey to record food intake and check vitamin levels. They looked for missing nutrients, not just behavior.
What they found
Kids with ASD ate less vitamin D, fiber, and calcium than peers. Even children who only had mild autism traits showed the same gaps.
Poor diet quality showed up across the whole autism spectrum, not just in full ASD cases.
How this fits with other research
Miltenberger et al. (2013) pooled 17 earlier studies and saw the same calcium shortfall. Victoria’s 2023 data update that meta-analysis with fresh, real-world numbers.
Siddiqi et al. (2019) found low fruit and vegetable intake in Indian children with ASD. Victoria’s Spanish sample shows the problem crosses cultures.
Barnhill et al. (2017) reported weaker bones in boys with ASD even when calcium intake looked okay. Victoria’s finding of low calcium intake helps explain why bone checks still matter.
Why it matters
You already watch for food selectivity. Now add a quick nutrition screen to your intake. Ask about milk, fruit, and bread portions. If the diet sounds narrow, refer to a dietitian and suggest a pediatric vitamin. Early fixes prevent later bone and gut problems.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a fivefold elevated risk of developing eating problems, which predisposes them to nutritional deficiencies. This study assesses nutritional intake and adequacy in children with ASD, subdiagnostic autistic symptoms and typically developing (TD) children. Preschool children with ASD and subdiagnostic symptoms had slightly lower intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), vitamin D and vitamin B12. Primary school children with ASD and subdiagnostic symptoms had slightly higher intake of protein, cholesterol, thiamine and niacin, and a higher percentage of obesity than children with TD. All children had a high intake in sugars, fats and saturated fatty acids; a very highly inadequate intake of vitamins (vitamins D and E), fibre, b-carotene, calcium and magnesium; and a moderately inadequate intake of vitamin C, folate and iron. However, although all children need nutrition advice, children with ASD and subdiagnostic autistic symptoms had a poorer quality diet than those with TD.
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 2023 · doi:10.1177/13623613221098237