Maternal dietary patterns, supplements intake and autism spectrum disorders: A preliminary case-control study

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions with increasing prevalence.
• Maternal factors, including diet and supplement intake, are being investigated for their potential role in ASD etiology.
• Understanding these associations can inform preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between maternal dietary patterns before conception and during pregnancy with ASD risk.
• To investigate the association between maternal intake of specific supplements and ASD risk in offspring.
• To identify potential modifiable maternal factors influencing ASD development.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed, utilizing data from the Autism Clinical and Environmental Database (ACED).
• Participants included children diagnosed with ASD and typically developing (TD) children, matched for age.
• Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between maternal factors and ASD.

Main Results:

• Maternal diets high in meat or vegetables before conception were significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD (ORs 4.01 and 2.23, respectively).
• Maternal calcium supplementation during pregnancy preparation was associated with a reduced risk of ASD (OR 0.48).
• These findings suggest specific dietary patterns and supplement use may influence ASD risk.

Conclusions:

• Maternal unbalanced dietary patterns, particularly those high in meat or vegetables, may represent a risk factor for ASD.
• Calcium supplementation prior to pregnancy may have a protective effect against ASD development.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.