Nutritional deficiencies and overweight prevalence among children with autism spectrum disorder.
Preschoolers with autism often carry extra weight yet still run low on key nutrients, so check diet quality, not just the scale.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Barak-Levy et al. (2015) compared preschoolers with autism to same-age peers without autism. They looked at vitamin levels, mineral levels, and body-mass index.
The team used a quasi-experimental design. Parents filled out food logs. Nurses drew blood. Kids stood on a scale.
What they found
Children with autism had more low nutrient levels. They also carried more weight.
The study warns: extra pounds do not equal good nutrition.
How this fits with other research
Miltenberger et al. (2013) pooled 17 earlier studies. Their meta-analysis already showed kids with autism eat less calcium and protein. Yael’s 2015 data match that pattern.
Marí-Bauset et al. (2015) looked at older kids, aged 6-10. They found lower BMI and still-poor micronutrient intake. The two studies seem opposite on weight, but age explains the gap. Preschoolers with autism are heavier; school-age kids with autism can be underweight.
Sánchez-Gómez et al. (2023) tracked an even bigger sample up to age 11. They confirmed the micronutrient gaps Yael spotted and added taller stature in preschoolers plus higher body fat later on. The worry starts early and sticks around.
Why it matters
Do not trust weight alone. A child can look plump yet lack iron, vitamin D, or fiber. Add a quick diet screen to every autism assessment. Ask about food variety, vitamins, and mealtime length. If the list is shorter than 20 foods or milk fills half the plate, refer to a pediatric dietitian. Better fuel supports better learning and may reduce problem behavior.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at risk of developing nutritional deviations. Three to six year old children with ASD were compared to their typically developing siblings and to a typically developing age and gender matched control group, in order to evaluate their intake and body mass index. Nutrient intake was compared to the Dietary Reference Intake using three-day diet diaries completed by the parents. The sum percentage of nutritional deficiencies in the ASD group compared to the typical development group was 342.5% (±122.9%) vs. 275.9% (±106.8%), respectively (P=0.026). A trend toward higher deficiency in the ASD group was observed as compared to the sibling group 363% (±122.9%) vs. 283.2% (±94.7%) (P=0.071). A higher body mass index was found in the ASD group compared to their counterparts, despite their nutritional deficiencies. In conclusion, children with ASD are more likely to suffer from nutritional deficiencies despite higher body mass index.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2015 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2014.11.020