This research sought to answer the question:
“Is dietary supplementation appropriate for children with autism spectrum disorder?”
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder often tend to be picky eaters, which may lead parents concerns regarding the adequacy of the nutritional content of their diet. Some parents of children with ASD try nutritional supplements and dietary regimens such as gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diets without the advice of a professional. In the largest study of its kind, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers report that these well-intentioned efforts may result in both insufficient nutrients and excessive nutrients. Despite receiving these supplements, children with ASD still had deficiencies in calcium while others were consuming excessive amounts of vitamin A and other nutrients.
“Many families try a GFCF diet in an attempt to improve symptoms of ASD,” explained lead investigator Patricia A. Stewart, PhD, RD, assistant professor of Pediatrics, the University of Rochester Medical Center. “While 19% of all Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (AS ATN) participants were reported to be on a GFCF diet, 12% of the children in the subgroup participating in this study were given a GFCF diet and were significantly more likely to use nutritional supplements (78% vs 53%), however, the micronutrient intake of children on or off the diet was remarkably similar.”
368 children between 2 and 11 years of age were accepted into the study from five AS ATN sites including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Arkansas, University of Colorado, University of Pittsburgh, and University of Rochester. All had previously been diagnosed with Autistic Disorder, Asperger Disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder as defined by the DSM-IV. A registered dietitian and nutritionist was involved in the training of caregivers to record the amount of all foods, beverages and nutritional supplements consumed including brand names and recipes used for food preparation. The caregivers of the children in the study then completed Three-day food records for the children and registered dietitian nutritionists verified these records.
“By examining these detailed eating records, investigators found that the children were consuming similar amounts of micronutrients as children without ASD. They also had the same deficits in vitamins D, E, calcium, potassium, and choline as the general pediatric population. Although ASD children are given supplements more often (56% vs. 31-37% of the general population), even after supplementation, 40-55% were lacking in calcium and 30-40% were lacking in vitamin D. Children on the GFCF diet consumed more magnesium and vitamin E. This may be due to the substitution of soy and nut-based products. Children on this diet were more adequately supplemented with vitamin D. Calcium supplementation was equally inadequate in those on and off the diet.”
The study showed that despite their different eating behaviours, children with ASD received much of their needed micronutrients from food consumption. This may be due to the high levels of fortification in the modern food supply, where vitamins and minerals are often added. This fortification may also be responsible for the overconsumption of certain nutrients by children with ASD. According to the study, many of the supplement users exceeded the Tolerable Upper Limit for safe intake levels of vitamin A, folic acid, and zinc.
“In clinical practice, each patient needs to be individually assessed for potential nutritional deficiencies or excess. Few children with ASD need most of the micronutrients they are commonly given as multivitamins, which often leads to excess intake that may place children at risk for adverse effects. When supplements are used, careful attention should be given to adequacy of vitamin D and calcium intake, Dr. Stewart noted.”
