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Nutritional implications of selective eating in a child with autism spectrum disorder

Karen Keown1, Janice Bothwell, Sonya Jain

  • 1Department of Community Paediatrics, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, U K.

BMJ Case Reports
|March 22, 2014
PubMed

Insights

A young boy with autism presented with excessive carrot juice intake, leading to skin discoloration and vitamin D deficiency. This case highlights the importance of dietary monitoring in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit selective eating behaviors and restricted diets.
  • Nutritional deficiencies and excesses can arise from highly restricted food intake in this population.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old boy in an autism assessment service consumed over 2.5 liters of carrot juice daily.
  • He presented with orange skin discoloration (carotenemia) and was below the 91st percentile for weight.
  • Blood tests revealed elevated serum carotene and vitamin D deficiency.

Findings:

  • Excessive beta-carotene intake from carrot juice caused carotenemia.
  • Restricted diet led to significant vitamin D deficiency despite high fluid intake.
  • Growth parameters indicated potential undernutrition despite excessive calorie/nutrient intake from juice.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the need for comprehensive nutritional assessments in children with ASD and restricted eating patterns.
  • Early identification and intervention by dietitians are crucial to prevent adverse health outcomes like carotenemia and vitamin deficiencies.
  • Integrated care involving dietetics and autism intervention teams is vital for managing complex nutritional needs in children with ASD.

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