Disruptive eating behavior, nutritional, pharmacological and inflammatory aspects of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59487/2965-1956-4-16813Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Diet, Food, and Nutrition, Drug Therapy, Inflammation, Feeding BehaviorAbstract
Objective: To discuss the integration of inflammatory, pharmacological, behavioral, and nutritional aspects in the child and adolescent autism spectrum. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative study conducted between July and October 2024. The sample size was estimated at 60 individuals diagnosed with ASD. Socioeconomic, anthropometric, and eating behavior questionnaires were applied, in addition to saliva collection for the assessment of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, applying descriptive statistics and the calculation of Prevalence Ratio (PR). The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Fortaleza (approval no. 5.230.635). Results: The sample comprised 77 children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years, predominantly male and socioeconomically vulnerable. Progressive energy inadequacies with age and suboptimal intake of vitamins D, E, A, C, and zinc were observed. Nutritional status showed heterogeneity, with a significant prevalence of overweight. IL-1 levels increased with age. Regarding pharmacological treatment, the use of antipsychotics, especially risperidone, was highlighted. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with ASD present food selectivity, suboptimal nutrient intake, elevated inflammatory markers, and antipsychotic use, which interact and impact nutritional status and eating behavior. Therefore, future research is warranted to deepen the understanding of these interconnections in order to guide safe and effective clinical approaches for this population. Moreover, these findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary follow-up and the development of strategies and public policies that expand access to individualized and specialized care.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ludmila Barbosa de Lima Sousa, Alice Callado de Menezes, Lyz Damasceno Fabrício, Júlia Maria Ramos Sales, Giordana Carla Vasconcelos da Silva, Victoria Maria Ferreira Lima, Leticia Lara Lima de Souza, Lia Studart do Vale, Ana Patrícia de Oliveira Moura Lima, Francisca Cléa Florenço de Sousa
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