29397
document
Relationship of dietary intake to gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autistic spectrum disorders . BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal ( GI ) symptoms and abnormalities in stool consistency are frequently reported by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders ( ASD ) . The purpose of this study was to 1 ) describe dietary intake of a cohort of children with ASD compared with normative data and 2 ) determine whether GI symptoms and stool consistency are related to dietary intake . METHODS Data from diet diaries of children ( 3-8 years ) with ASD ( n = 62 ) were analyzed by a registered pediatric dietician to compare to RDA standards for total calories , protein , carbohydrate , and fat . Dietary intake was correlated with descriptors of stool consistency using cumulative logistic regression methods . RESULTS Intake of calories , carbohydrates , and fat were in the average range ; protein intake was increased ( 211 % of RDA ) . Reported frequency of GI abnormalities , including abnormal stool consistency ( e.g. , bulky or loose ) , was increased ( 54 % ) . No statistically significant relationships between stool consistency and dietary intake were observed . CONCLUSIONS In this sample , there was a high rate of reported gastrointestinal symptoms , despite lack of medical causes . Intake was adequate for calories and carbohydrates and increased for protein . The children did not exhibit excessive carbohydrate intake . There was no association of nutrient intake to changes in stool consistency .
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Intervention_Educational
dietary intake
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Intervention_Educational
Data from diet diaries
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Outcome_Physical
gastrointestinal symptoms
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Outcome_Physical
frequency of GI abnormalities
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Outcome_Physical
abnormal stool consistency
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Outcome_Physical
bulky
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Outcome_Physical
loose
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Outcome_Physical
gastrointestinal symptoms
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Participant_Condition
children with autistic spectrum disorders .