Introduction

Children with ASD are at risk of compromised dietary intake due to food selectivity and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Our study objective was to assess the nutritional status of children with ASD.

Methods

This cross sectional study was conducted on 19 children with ASD at a public health hospital.Demographic data, feeding issues and gastrointestinal problems were recorded. Height, weight and BMI were noted and plotted on WHO/IAP growth charts and 24 hour dietary recall data were entered into a nutrition practice management software (Ntuitive), which computes a standardized nutritive value.

Results

A total of 19 ASD cases, with a male to female ratio of 5:1, with mean age of 7.7 years (2.7+/-19.7 years), were enrolled. Of these 14 /19 aged >5 years, 2/14 were obese, 5/14 were overweight and 5/14 were thin. Out of 5/19 (< 5 years old) one was underweight. Of 2 obese children one had excess carbohydrate (54%) consumption, whereas 3/5 overweight children were consuming excess carbohydrate (41%) and fat (30%). Of the 6 undernourished children, 3 were deficient incalories (30.5%), carbohydrate (34%) and protein (26%). Diet was deficient in iron, calcium, phosphorous, zinc and vitamins (B12, A and C) in 70 to 90 % of cases. 30 % of cases had excess sodium consumption. Major feeding issue was food selectivity, and gastrointestinal problems were constipation in 31.5% and diarrhea in 15.7 % of children.

Conclusion

Nutritional assessment is important in children with ASD to plan individualized nutritional intervention therapy.