Ultra-processed Foods and Autistic Children

Ultra-processed Foods and Autistic Children

What are ultra processed foods?

Ultra-processed foods are foods that have been significantly changed from their original form by undergoing extensive industrial food processing. The food products become more shelf stable with enhanced color, texture, and flavor. For example, foods such as chips, candy bars, cereals, frozen pizzas, instant noodles, or items that are pre-packaged. While these foods are highly appealing, ultra-processed options are characteristically higher in calories, unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium.

Why are they so appealing for autistic people?

Ultra-processed foods are appealing for many Americans, but are especially attractive to autistic people. This is because ultra-processed foods offer a consistent and predictable sensory experience. For example, when you open a bag goldfish you can expect them to have a uniform color, shape, texture, and flavor. Compare this to a whole food snack option like blueberries- some are small or large, sweet or bitter, squishy or hard. Each blueberry offers an unpredictable sensory experience. Because autistic people often thrive on predictability and may have sensory sensitivities, eating whole foods can be an overwhelming experience and lead to food selectivity.

Why it Matters:

Consuming a diet of mainly ultra-processed foods raises concerns for long term health consequences such as gastrointestinal symptoms, nutrient deficiencies, and weight gain.

Nutrient Deficiencies:

Autistic people with high food selectivity may not eat many whole foods, and are at risk for nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin D, calcium, and protein. In fact, 93% of autistic people do not meet the dietary recommendations of vegetable consumption, putting them at risk for micronutrient deficiencies. Ultimately, this can increase their risk for poor growth, development, and bone health.

Gastrointestinal:

Highly processed foods are typically low in fiber and high in artificial flavors and additives, which can contribute to uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and constipation.

Weight Gain/Obesity:

Ultra-processed foods being considered to be “densely caloric,” meaning that the amount of calories per oz of food is unusually high.  As a result, eating ultra-processed food may cause people to eat a lot of calories even though they haven’t eaten that much food.  Eating a lot of densely caloric food leads to a high risk of weight gain and even obesity.

Although achieving a healthy and balanced diet is a struggle for many Americans, supporting an autistic person in adapting healthy lifestyle habits and dietary patterns can be an added challenge. Also, because autistic people might strongly object to eating a wider variety of foods, it can be tempting for caregivers to rely on ultra processed foods to feed their autistic children.  However, is important to continue to encourage a healthy diet and incorporating whole foods to ensure a balanced diet.

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

Sources:

https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-nutrition

https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/autism-obesity

National Libraries of Medicine Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9601475/#sec5-healthcare-10-01829

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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.