(P10-108-24) Micronutrient Intake of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Under Age 3 Compared to the General Population

Objectives: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit feeding problems which may lead to inadequate nutrition intake. Nutritional deficiencies may worsen ASD symptoms and can impact the neurodevelopment of children in the first 1000 days. There has been a lack of research on the micronutrient intake of early childhood with ASD under age 3. This study aimed to assess micronutrient intake in a sample of children with ASD in Florida, compared to those from the age-matched general population.

Methods: Baseline data from a randomized controlled trial were utilized. Parents of children with ASD under age 3 (n=50) completed 3-day food records. Data were entered using the Automated Self-Administered Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24). Age-matched data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020. Both datasets included dietary supplements. Percentage of children not meeting Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for each micronutrient was calculated and compared between two groups, using logistic regression. Mean intake was compared using multiple regression. All analyses were controlled for demographic factors.

Results: All children in the ASD group were found to have met the EAR of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, magnesium, selenium and copper, while small percentages of NHANES (0.4 - 6.1%) did not meet the EAR (p < 0.001). Majority of children in both the ASD and NHANES groups did not meet the EAR of vitamin D (76% vs. 64.3%) or vitamin E (56% vs. 50.8%). Large proportions of both ASD and NHANES groups did not meet EAR for calcium (44% vs. 35.9%, respectively). Children with ASD consumed significantly lower mean intake of EPA, DHA, and vitamin C (p=0.003; p< 0.001; p=0.006, respectively) compared to the NHANES group.

Conclusions: A large proportion of both children with ASD under age 3 and age-matched general population do not meet EAR of vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium. Significantly lower intake of EPA and DHA in children with ASD compared to general population calls for further research as these nutrients have been linked to neurodevelopment in early childhood. Parent education and nutrition counseling for these nutrients may benefit all children under age 3.

Funding Sources: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH/NICHD)