Abstract
Background
Boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower bone mineral density (BMD) than
typically developing controls. Differences in diet and exercise may contribute to
low BMD.
Objective
Our aim was to examine macro- and micronutrient intakes and self-reported physical
activity in boys with ASD compared to TDC and the relationship of these variables
with BMD.
Design/methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 49 boys (25 ASD, 24 typically developing controls)
assessed for 3-day food records and physical activity records, and BMD of the whole
body less head, hip, and spine using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Fasting levels
of 25(OH) vitamin D and calcium were obtained.
Participants
Participants were adolescent boys, aged 8 to 17 years, recruited from a clinic population
(ASD) or community advertisements (ASD and typically developing controls) matched
for age.
Results
ASD participants were approximately 9 months younger than typically developing control
participants on average. Body mass index and serum vitamin D and calcium levels were
similar. Boys with ASD consumed 16% fewer calories, with a larger percentage obtained
from carbohydrates, and 37% less animal protein and 20% less fat than typically developing
controls. A lower proportion of ASD participants were categorized as “very physically
active” (27% vs 79%; P<0.001). BMD z scores were 0.7 to 1.2 standard deviations lower in ASD than typically developing
controls at all locations. Higher animal protein, calcium, and phosphorus intakes
were associated positively with bone density measures in boys with ASD.
Conclusions
Compared to typically developing controls, boys with ASD had lower protein, calcium,
and phosphorus intakes, activity levels, and BMD z scores at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, and whole body less head. Protein,
calcium, and phosphorus intakes were associated positively with BMD.
Keywords
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Biography
A. M. Neumeyer is medical director and a child neurologist, Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Lexington, and an assistant professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Biography
N. Cano Sokoloff is a clinical research fellow, Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Lexington.
Biography
E. I. McDonnell is staff biostatistician, Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Biography
E. A. Macklin is an assistant in statistics, Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and instructor in medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Biography
C. J. McDougle is director and a child psychiatrist, Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Lexington, and a professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Biography
T. M. Holmes is a clinical research dietitian, Translational & Clinical Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Biography
J. L. Hubbard is a senior research dietitian, Translational & Clinical Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Biography
M. Misra is chief of pediatric endocrine and neuroendocrine units, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and a professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 02, 2018
Accepted:
November 7,
2017
Received:
July 17,
2017
Footnotes
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under cooperative agreement UA3 MC11054—Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, DHHS, or the US Government. This work was conducted through the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network serving as the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health. Further support came from National Institutes of Health grants 1 UL1 RR025758-0, UL1TR00102, and K24HD071843.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
