Dietary adequacy of Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorder compared to healthy developing children

Abstract

Although the etiology and pathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still poorly understood, a number of environmental, anthropological, neurobiological and genetic factors have been related to the pathophysiology of ASD, even the impact of oxidative stress response related to the environment and nutrition intake. Usual recommended dietary habits are based on the combination of behavioral and dietary or nutraceutical interventions together with pharmacotherapy. Investigations about a reliable relationship between diet and ASD are still lacking. The present study aimed at comparing dietary regimens and habits of normally developing apparently healthy children, without diagnosed ASD, with a pediatric population of individuals affected by autistic disorder. Assessments of nutritional and anthropometric data, in addition to biochemical evaluation for nutrient deficiencies, were performed. A total of 80 children with autistic disorder and 80 healthy, normally developing pediatric individuals were enrolled in the study. Parents were asked to complete the standardized questionnaire regarding the different types of food and the proportion of a serving for their children. Biochemical analysis of micro- and macronutrients were also done. Plotting on the Egyptian sex-specific anthropometric growth (auximetric) chart, absolute weights as well as weight-related for age classes, were significantly higher in cases than healthy controls. No differences between groups were observed in regard to total kilocalories (kcal), carbohydrates, and fat intake. A total of 23.8% of children with autistic disorder vs. 11.3% in the healthy control group had a nutrient intake with features below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of protein. Children with autistic disorder showed low dietary intake of some micronutrients; calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), selenium (Se) and sodium (Na), also they had significantly high intake of potassium (K) and vitamin C compared to healthy controls. Serum Mg, Fe, Ca, folate and vitamin B12 in children with autistic disorder were significantly low compared with healthy children. Significant positive correlations between serum Mg, Fe, Ca, vitamin B12 and folate and their levels in food were present. These results confirmed that different nutritional inadequacy was observed in Egyptian children with autistic disorder. The evidence reported in the present study should recommend screening of the nutritional status of ASD children for nutrient adequacy to reduce these deficiencies by dietary means or by administering appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements. Nutritional intervention plan should be tailored to address specific needs.

Serum vitamin B12 and folic acid status in Autism spectrum disorder children

“…The present study was undertaken to observe vitamin B 12 and folic acid status of ASD children.The mean serum vitamin B 12 and folic acid were significantly lower in ASD children compared to healthy control. Similar findings were reported by other investigators 13 . A cross sectional study on Egyptian children found significantly positive correlation between serum B 12 and folic acid with their food content.…”

“…A cross sectional study on Egyptian children found significantly positive correlation between serum B 12 and folic acid with their food content. They suggested nutritional deficiency was associated with autistic disorder in Egyptian children 13 .In this study, in addition to lower vitamin B 12 and folic acid level, 4% of ASD children were affected with vitamin B 12 deficiency whereas no control children had any deficiency of vitamin B 12 and folic acid . In the present study this observation further confirm to the association of low vitamin B 12 and folic acid to the current series of autistic children.…”

“…Vitamin B 12 is necessary for protein synthesis and formation of the myelin sheath throughout the central nervous system 12 . Some researchers assessed dietary adequacy of Egyptian children with ASD and found that serum folate and vitamin B 12 were significantly lower 13 . Folic acid is crucial for proper brain functioning and plays an important role in mental and emotional health.…”

Genetics and epigenetics of autism: A Review

“…Although lower folate levels in pregnant women were associated with increased risk of ASD, the effects of folate‐enhancing interventions on the clinical symptoms of ASD have yet to be confirmed . As parents of autistic children are often concerned about the feeding behavior of their children, two studies have been conducted to determine the nutrients intake of autistic children . The findings showed that children with autism had significantly lower daily intake of folate, or folate plus vitamin B12, together with other types deficiencies of nutrients studied .…”

“…As parents of autistic children are often concerned about the feeding behavior of their children, two studies have been conducted to determine the nutrients intake of autistic children . The findings showed that children with autism had significantly lower daily intake of folate, or folate plus vitamin B12, together with other types deficiencies of nutrients studied . It is thereby important to ensure the adequate intake of folate through either diet or supplement for the benefit of reduction of other conditions, such as neural tube defects, which were found to be associated with folate deficiencies or hyperhomocysteinemia, even if it could have no effect in the improvement of clinical symptoms of ASD. Genes or pathways of the oxidative stress as a potential target: Some recent findings of increased red‐cell lipid peroxides, lipofuscin deposition, and urinary isoprostanes have been found in autistic children indicative of increase in oxidative stress in these children .…”