2017 Volume 58 Issue 3 Pages 389-397
Background: Food selectivity is commonly reported in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the food repertoires of children in Japan with ASD in relation to nutrient inadequacy. Method: Three-day food records completed by the parents of children with ASD were compiled into food repertoires defined in this study as the number of unique foods consumed over three days, for assessment of nutritional adequacy of these children's diets. Nutritional parameters included energy, protein, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, and C, niacin, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, iodine and selenium. Results: Twenty-four participants were enrolled in this study. Significant inverse correlation was observed between the number of different foods consumed and nutrient inadequacy (r=-0.56; P<0.01). Nutrient inadequacy was common for vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Five participants with severely limited food repertoires did not meet the estimated average requirements for specific nutrients. Their food repertoires consisted of primarily rice (n=5), snack foods (n=4), tea, fried potatoes, bread, milk, fried chicken and eggs (n=3). Conclusions: A limited food repertoire is associated with nutrient inadequacies. Unlike studies conducted in Western nations, rice was among the foods most favored by children with ASD in Japan. Rice lacks in vitamins A and D, and physicians and dietitians caring for children with ASD need to be aware of such nutritional deficiencies arising from food selectivity.
