Dietary Intake and Nutritional Adequacy in Saudi Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case-Control Exploratory Study

Why It Matters

The findings expose nutrient gaps that can exacerbate neurodevelopmental challenges in ASD and signal a need for targeted nutrition programs and policy action in Saudi Arabia’s pediatric health landscape.

Key Takeaways

• ASD children consume significantly less polyunsaturated fatty acids
• High‑risk FODMAP carbs intake higher in ASD group
• Both groups lack vitamin D, K1, potassium, folic acid, calcium
• Nutrient gaps persist despite Saudi food environment challenges
• Tailored dietary plans and public health actions required

Pulse Analysis

Autism spectrum disorder often co‑exists with feeding difficulties, and in regions like Saudi Arabia where dietary patterns are shifting, these challenges can magnify existing nutritional shortfalls. While the Saudi food environment is characterized by high caloric density and limited micronutrient diversity, children with ASD may further restrict their diets due to sensory sensitivities, leading to imbalanced macronutrient profiles. This study’s focus on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and FODMAP‑rich carbohydrates highlights how specific dietary components—critical for brain development and gut health—are disproportionately affected in the ASD population.

The research uncovered a clear deficit in PUFA intake among Saudi children with ASD, a finding that aligns with global evidence linking omega‑3 fatty acids to cognitive function and behavioral regulation. Simultaneously, the elevated consumption of high‑risk FODMAP carbs may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms common in ASD, potentially creating a feedback loop that reinforces selective eating. Beyond these ASD‑specific patterns, the near‑universal insufficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin K1, potassium, folic acid, and calcium across both groups point to a broader public‑health issue: the national diet fails to meet essential micronutrient requirements for growing children.

Addressing this dual burden requires a two‑pronged approach. Clinicians should integrate nutrition counseling that emphasizes PUFA‑rich foods—such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds—while carefully managing FODMAP intake to alleviate gut discomfort. At the policy level, Saudi health authorities might consider fortification programs, school‑based nutrition education, and subsidies for nutrient‑dense foods to raise baseline micronutrient status. Future research should expand sample sizes, explore longitudinal outcomes of dietary interventions, and assess how cultural food practices can be leveraged to improve both macro‑ and micronutrient adequacy for children with ASD and the wider pediatric population.