Several recent reports have highlighted how problematic feeding habits can impact on the physical health of those with autism. A report from Columbia University in New York by Baird & Ravindranath* describes the experiences of one boy with autism who “self-limited exclusively to a single “fast food”-a particular type of fried chicken” and as result “was hospitalized with hepatomegaly and liver dysfunction, as well as severe lactic acidosis”. Doctors diagnosed severe deficiencies in various vitamins, particularly the B vitamins, and following intervention, at least some symptoms improved.
Keown and colleagues** from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland reported a similar case of health-related outcomes following consumption of a narrow range of foods. In particular, they report that the young boy at the centre of their report “consumed excessive quantities of carrot juice (excess 2.5 L daily)”. Such excessive consumption again, had health-related effects and lead to an urgent referral to dietetic and related services.
The autism research literature is dotted with various other reports – some case studies, others discussing larger cohorts – describing how such limited feeding patterns can often have significant repercussions for physical as well as psychiatric health when present.
* Baird JS. & Ravindranath TM. Vitamin B Deficiencies in a Critically Ill Autistic Child With a Restricted Diet. Nutr Clin Pract. 2014 Aug 11. pii: 0884533614541483.
** Keown K. et al. Nutritional implications of selective eating in a child with autism spectrum disorder. BMJ Case Rep. 2014 Mar 20;2014. pii: bcr2013202581.
Read more about these studies at: http://questioning-answers.blogspot.com/2014/09/extremes-of-self-limiting-diet-in-autism.html