Dietary intake and nutritional status of children with autism spectrum disorders in Tianjin

Abstract

Objective To investigate the dietary nutrient intake and nutritional status of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and provide evidence for developing scientific and effective nutrition intervention measures for children with ASD.

Methods Nutrient intake of 90 children with ASD were investigated by using 3-day 24-hour dietary survey, and the anthropological indexes were measured.

Results Among the 90 ASD children aged 3–9, 31 of them were overweight and obese, accounting for 34.4%, three children were underweight, accounting for 3.3%, and one child was stunted, accounting for 1.1%. Dietary intakes of vitamin A, vitamin B ₁, vitamin D, vitamin B ₆, folic acid, calcium and iodine in all age groups of ASD children were insufficient, but the dietary intakes of copper, phosphorus and zinc exceeded the recommended intake level. More than 10% of the ASD children consume copper and magnesium more than the tolerable upper intake level. There were significant differences in the dietary intake of energy, fat and vitamin A among normal, overweight, obese and thin ASD children (χ ²= 9.24, 10.03, P<0.05).

Conclusion Overweight and obesity, as well as the combination of insufficient and excessive nutrition in children with ASD is common. Personalized dietary nutrition intervention towards ASD children should be developed and implemented.

Abstract

【摘要】 目的 调查分析天津市孤独症谱系障碍 (ASD) 儿童的膳食营养素摄人量和营养状况, 为 ASD 儿童制定科学有效 的营养干预措施提供依据。 方法 采用 3 d 24h 膳食回顾法调查天津市某特殊教育学校 90 名 3~9 岁 ASD 儿童 24 种膳食 营养素的摄人情况, 并对儿童进行体格测量。 结果 ASD 儿童中超重肥胖儿童共 31 名, 占 34.4%; 3 名消瘦者占 3.3%; 1 名生长迟缓者占 1.1%。各年龄组 ASD 儿童维生素 A、维生素 B ₁、维生素 D、维生素 B ₆、叶酸、钙和碘的平均摄人量均低于 推荐摄人量标准, 铜、磷和锌的摄人量均高于推荐摄人量标准, 其中有超过 10% 的 ASD 儿童铜和镁的摄人量超过可耐受最 高摄人量。能量、脂肪、维生素A摄人情况构成在正常、超重、肥胖组差异有统计学意义 (χ ² 值分别为 9.24, 10.03, P 值均<0.05)。 结论 孤独症谱系障碍儿童超重、肥胖率较高, 营养素缺乏与过量的现象同时存在, 建议采取个性化的饮食营养干 预方案。