Nutrient imbalance and obesity in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract

Introduction: children with ASD have a higher percentage of obesity compared to neurotypical children of the same age. Diet problems can lead to excesses or deficiencies in the consumption of macro and micronutrients.

Objectives: to rigorously and serially evaluate the anthropometric and dietary data of ASD patients of preschool and school age over a period of 6 months.

Methods: a longitudinal study that included 34 children diagnosed with ASD of both sexes, from 4 to 11 years of age, recruited at convenience in the Mental Health Service of the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City. The variables considered were: age, body mass index with Z-score and intake of macro and micronutrients.

Results: at the end of the follow-up, 25 of 34 patients concluded the study and their nutritional status showed changes that did not have statistical significance, where 4 % were underweight, 56 % were normal weight, 12 % were overweight and 28 % were obese. Macronutrients, such as energy and fiber, and micronutrients, such as zinc, vitamin D, omega-3 and omega-6, and tryptophan, showed imbalances in consumption by patients without statistical significant changes in time.

Conclusions: there is an imbalance in the consumption of macro and micronutrients in children with ASD and the prevalence of obesity is higher compared to other studies.