Comparison of energy and macronutrients intake between children with autism and healthy children

ABSTRACT: In the past two decades, the prevalence of autism has been quadrupled. Inappropriate eating behaviors are reported in autistic children. However, few researches were studied the diet of children with autism. The present study aimed to compare intake of energy and macronutrients among autistic and healthy children. This research conducted on 124 children aged 6-11 years (62 cases and 62 controls) in Tehran. After obtaining parental consent, the general questionnaire was completed. To check the status of nutrition, 3-day food records were taken. Age, height, BMI percentile for age and hours of television watching per week were not significantly different between two groups. The mean of weight in the autistic children was significantly higher than healthy children. 32% of autistic children and 16% of healthy children were obese (P=0.14). Autistic children received more energy (P=0.001) and fat (P=0.001) than healthy children did. It seems that autistic children receive energy and fat more than healthy children do. In addition, autistic children more weight compared to healthy one, while BMI percentile and height were not significant between two groups.