Nutritional Status of Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This large study looked at nutrition in children with autism compared to other children. It found that children with autism tend to be shorter but have similar weight. They eat less protein and many important vitamins, including vitamins A, D, K, and several B vitamins. Blood tests also showed lower levels of vitamin D and folate. The researchers think the nutrition differences might explain why children with autism tend to be shorter.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined nutritional status in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to typically developing children. The study analyzed 32 studies involving 18,480 children (2,955 with ASD, 15,525 typically developing). Results showed children with ASD were significantly shorter than typically developing peers but showed no differences in weight or BMI. Children with ASD had significantly lower protein intake and reduced intake of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K) and several water-soluble vitamins (folate, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin).

Lower blood levels of vitamin D and folate were also observed. The authors suggest the shorter stature may relate to reduced protein and vitamin intake.

Regular nutritional monitoring is warranted for children with ASD, particularly height tracking and assessment of protein and vitamin intake. Consider nutritional supplementation or dietary intervention for identified deficiencies. Multidisciplinary approach involving dietitians may be beneficial for comprehensive nutritional management.

The abstract does not specify study quality assessment methods, heterogeneity between studies, or potential confounding factors. Longitudinal data is limited, making causal relationships unclear. The authors note need for further population-based longitudinal studies.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may impact feeding behaviours, which can affect physical development. We aimed to examine published evidence comparing nutritional status, defined as anthropometry, micronutrient status, and intakes and dietary intake, of children with ASD with those of typically developing children (TDC). Eligibility criteria included any studies that compared nutritional status among children with ASD and TDC. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CENTRAL were searched.

We used standardized mean difference (SMD) as an effect size for continuous variables and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous variables with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Thirty-two studies with 18,480 children (ASD: 2955, TDC: 15,525) were included in our meta-analysis. Children with ASD were statistically significantly shorter than TDC (SMD: -0.16, 95% CI [-0.28, -0.04], I = 7%), but no difference in weight [-0.12, 95% CI (-0.17, 0.92)] and BMI [-0.06, 95% CI (-0.32, 0.20)]. They had decreased intake of protein [-0.34, 95% CI (-0.52, -0.15)] and nearly all lipid-soluble vitamins: vitamin A (SMD: -0.20, 95% CI [-0.38, -0.02], I = 37%), vitamin D (SMD: -0.30, 95% CI [-0.53, -0.03], I = 50%), and vitamin K (SMD: -41, 95% CI [-0.71, -0.10], I = 0%).

Also, children with ASD had a statistically significantly decreased intake of some water-soluble vitamins like folate, riboflavin, thiamine and niacin. Decreased levels of some micronutrients like vitamin D and folate was also found. Children with ASD are statistically significantly shorter than TDC, which can be explained by the lower protein intake and fat- and water-soluble vitamin status and intake. These findings warrant further longitudinal population-based studies.