Volume 26, Issue 119, January 2022

Nutritional status among children with autism spectrum disorders in Saudi Arabia

Samar Alahmari, Rehab Alatawi, Renad Albalawi, Ryanah Albalawi, Eman Alamri

Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare the nutritional status of Saudi children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to Saudi children without ASD. Methods: The research was a case control study for children aged between 7 and 12 years. In total, 155 children enrolled (70 children with ASD and 85 children without ASD). Dietary consumption was assessed using a 3-day food record. Results: The daily average of energy from carbohydrates was significantly higher among children with ASD than children without ASD. A lower intake of folic acid, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, and selenium was detected among children with ASD, while vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium were significantly higher among children with ASD compared to children without ASD. Conclusion: Nutrient deficiencies were more present among children with ASD than children without ASD. Thus, nutritional intervention is essential for children with ASD to avoid future complications.

Keywords: nutrient intake, vitamin intake, children with ASD, children without ASD

Medical Science, 2022, 26, ms40e1960

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v26i119/ms40e1960

Published: 24 January 2022