Comparison Of Food Groups Intake And Body Mass Index Among Healthy Children With ASD, A Case- Control Study

Introduction: Food choices in autistic children are problematic and nutritional deficiencies is spotted in them. The purpose of this study is to compare anthropometric indices and dietary intake of autistic children with healthy children. Methods: In this case-control study, the frequency of food intake and anthropometric indices for 90 autistic children and 93 healthy children aged 5 to 12 years were collected by food frequency questionnaire and general information questionnaire. Results: Only 23% of children with autism had a normal body mass index, compared to 63% for healthy children. Autistic children were in higher tertile for whole and refined grains, solid and liquid oils, simple sugars, honey and jams, beverages, snacks and desserts and salt and lower percentile of consumption for fruits and vegetables compared to healthy children. Conclusions: Body mass index in children with autism due to weight gain in these children should be taken into consideration. The dietary intake of autistic child is different from that of a healthy child and the dietary intake of these children should be investigated.