Food & Nutrition

Arab Journal of Food & Nutrition
the mean HEI score of the whole sample was 75.1 (S.D= 6.2), which corresponds to
“needs improvement” grade of diet adequacy. The significant differences detected
between the different age and sex groups with respect to the median values of the
anthropometric and dietary variables were subtle.
Dieters had significantly (p0.05) were found in any of the major anthropometric measurements, nor in the
scores of ATEC or HEI.
The ATEC score was significantly correlated with the following variables:
percent contribution to total energy intake of plant protein (r= 0.32, p= 0.01), fat (r= -
0.28, p= 0.03), MUFA (r= -0.33, p=0.01), PUFA (r= -0.27, p= 0.04); as well as the
intake of linoleic acid and its percentage from the recommended intake (r= -0.29,
p=0.03 and r= -0.3 1, p= 0.02 respectively), presence and number of GIT disturbances
(r= 0.28, p=0.03, r= 0,33, p= 0.01 respectively). The HEI score was not significantly
correlated with the ATEC score (r= 0.12, p=0.36), nor any of the anthropometric
variables was. Only two factors were found to significantly predict the value of the
ATEC score; intake of PUFA (r 2 = 0.10,p= 0.01), and number of GIT disturbances (r 2 =
0.11, p= 0.01).
It could be concluded that autistic subjects in Jordan do not form a distinct group
with respect to their anthropometric measures, which showed little or no association
with the severity of autism. The dietary intake of the autistic subjects was generally
adequate, but needed improvement as suggested by the HEI score. It seems that some
dietary factors either can positively or negatively affect severity of the autistic
symptoms, which indicate possible nutritional intervention as a therapeutic approach
for autism. Age and sex seem to minimally affect the autistic status. Incorrect dietary
practices and various eating problems were evident in many autistic subjects in this
Study, ultimately, the findings of this study do support the importance of appropriate
nutritional intervention in autism, to ensure diet adequacy and help autistics
attain their maximum potential.
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