@misc{10481/71283,
year = {2021},
url = {http://hdl.handle.net/10481/71283},
abstract = {Eating behavior problems are characteristic of children with autism spectrum disorders
(ASD) with a highly restricted range of food choices, which may pose an associated risk of nutritional
problems. Hence, detailed knowledge of the dietary patterns (DPs) and nutrient intakes of ASD
patients is necessary to carry out intervention strategies if required. The present study aimed to
determine the DPs and macro-and micronutrient intakes in a sample of Spanish preschool children
with ASD compared to typically developing control children. Fifty-four children with ASD (two to
six years of age) diagnosed with ASD according to the Diagnostic Manual-5 criteria), and a control
group of 57 typically developing children of similar ages were recruited. A validated food frequency
questionnaire was used, and the intake of energy and nutrients was estimated through three nonconsecutive 24-h dietary registrations. DPs were assessed using principal component analysis and
hierarchical clustering analysis. Children with ASD exhibited a DP characterized by high energy
and fat intakes and a low intake of vegetables and fruits. Likewise, meat intake of any type, both
lean and fatty, was associated with higher consumption of fish and dietary fat. Furthermore, the
increased consumption of dairy products was associated with increased consumption of cereals and
pasta. In addition, they had frequent consumption of manufactured products with poor nutritional
quality, e.g., beverages, sweets, snacks and bakery products. The percentages of children with ASD
complying with the adequacy of nutrient intakes were higher for energy, saturated fat, calcium, and
vitamin C, and lower for iron, iodine, and vitamins of group B when compared with control children.
In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need to assess the DPs and nutrient intakes of children with
ASD to correct their alterations and discard some potential nutritional diseases.},
organization = {FUNDACIÓ AGRUPACIÓ Àmbit de la Infància, 404
Research Grant INVEST from the Spanish Society of Pediatrics and Red de Salud Materno Infantil
(RED SAMID)},
organization = {Research Plan of the Vice-Rectorate of Research and
Transfer of the University of Granada, Spain},
publisher = {MDPI},
keywords = {Autism spectrum disorder},
keywords = {Disabled children},
keywords = {Food and nutrition},
keywords = {Feeding behavior},
title = {Dietary Patterns, Eating Behavior, and Nutrient Intakes of Spanish Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders},
doi = {10.3390/nu13103551},
author = {Plaza Díaz, Julio and Gil Hernández, Ángel},
}