Correlation between dietary intake and plasma levels of choline and betaine in children with autism (827.1)

Abstract

Alterations in nutrient metabolism may exist in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD’s), especially the pathways involving folate‐dependent one‐carbon metabolism. Few studies have investigated intake and plasma levels of choline and betaine in children with ASD, although they play a role in these metabolic pathways. This study examined 1) differences in plasma levels of choline and betaine in children with and without ASD and 2) relationships between dietary intake and plasma levels of choline and betaine in children with ASD. Secondary data analyses on 63 children were conducted. Significantly lower choline levels were found in children with ASD (M=8.00, SD=2.42) compared to children without ASD, M=10.03, SD=2.84; t (61) =‐3.04, p= 0.004, (two‐tailed). Similarly, betaine levels were significantly lower in children with ASD (M=24.1, SD=6.49) compared to children without ASD, M=36.70, SD= 6.73; t (60)= ‐7.5, p < 0.001, (two‐tailed). Strong, positive correlations were found between dietary intake and plasma levels of choline (r= 0.657, n=33, p<0.0005) and betaine (r=0.688, n=33, p<0.0005) in children with ASD. These results suggest that children with ASD may have diets inadequate in choline. Grant Funding Source: HRSA; NICHD and Rochester University