Ultra-processed Foods and Autistic Children
What are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are foods that have been changed a lot from their original form through heavy industrial processing. For example, an apple is a food that has not been processed, but an apple pop tart is a food that has been ultra-processed. Ultra-processed foods are made to last longer on shelves and often have added colors, flavors, and textures to make them more appealing. Examples include chips, candy bars, cereals, frozen pizzas, instant noodles, and other pre-packaged items. While they may taste good and are easy to find, these foods usually have more calories, and unhealthy amounts of fat, sugar, and sodium.
Why are They so Appealing for Autistic People?
Ultra-processed foods are popular with many Americans, but they can be especially attractive to autistic people. One reason is that they provide a consistent and predictable sensory experience.
For example, when you open a bag of Goldfish crackers, you know that they will all look the same, taste the same, and feel the same. In contrast, a whole food snack like blueberries can be unpredictable – some are sweet, some are sour, some are soft, and some are firm. For autistic people who like routine and predictability, or who have strong sensory sensitivities, this unpredictability can be upsetting. To avoid unpredictable eating experiences, food selectivity (only eating certain foods) is common among autistic people.
Why It Matters
Eating mostly ultra-processed foods can cause long-term health problems like nutrient deficiencies, stomach issues, and weight gain.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Autistic people who eat mainly ultra-processed foods and avoid whole foods may miss out on key nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and protein. Research shows that 93% of autistic people don’t eat enough vegetables, which increases the risk of poor growth, weak bones, and other health issues.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Ultra-processed foods are usually low in fiber and high in artificial additives. This can lead to stomach problems such as nausea, constipation, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Weight Gain/Obesity
Because ultra-processed foods are high in calories, eating too many of them can cause weight gain and even obesity.
Although many Americans struggle with eating a healthy diet, it can be even more challenging for autistic people because of food selectivity and sensory sensitivities. Still, it is important to keep encouraging healthy eating habits and to add more whole foods whenever possible. Doing so helps ensure a balanced diet and better long-term health.
Also see: “Food Sensitivities and Why are They so Common in Autism” to learn more about practical strategies to improve eating habits.
Article by: Isabella Valentini and The Autism Toolkit
National Libraries of Medicine Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9601475/#sec5-healthcare-10-01829
Ahumada D, Guzmán B, Rebolledo S, Opazo K, Marileo L, Parra-Soto S, Viscardi S. Eating Patterns in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Sep 21;10(10):1829. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10101829. PMID: 36292276; PMCID: PMC9601475.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3601920/#S8
Cermak SA, Curtin C, Bandini LG. Food selectivity and sensory sensitivity in children with autism spectrum disorders. J Am Diet Assoc. 2010 Feb;110(2):238-46. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2009.10.032. PMID: 20102851; PMCID: PMC3601920.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7399967/
Elizabeth L, Machado P, Zinöcker M, Baker P, Lawrence M. Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Outcomes: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 30;12(7):1955. doi: 10.3390/nu12071955. PMID: 32630022; PMCID: PMC7399967.
Sources:
To learn more about autistic people and ultra processed food, check out this National Library of Medicine resource!
“Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Outcomes: A Narrative Review.”
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