Autism Spectrum Disorder and Iron Deficiency

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, along with restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior. Its etiology involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Children with ASD have been shown to frequently prefer consuming the same foods and to have limited food choices. This situation may lead to inadequate intake of certain nutrients due to reduced dietary variety. One of the nutrients commonly found to be deficient in this population is iron. This review aims to evaluate the relationship between ASD and iron deficiency in children. In addition to limited food preferences, difficulties in chewing and swallowing harder foods —such as red meat, which is a rich source of iron —may further reduce iron intake. While some studies have indicated that children with ASD have a lower dietary iron intake compared to their typically developing peers and exhibit a higher prevalence of iron deficiency, others have found no significant differences. To better understand this relationship, there is a need for large-scale studies that utilize multiple types of biological samples and objective assessment methods. Additionally, since ASD is more commonly observed in boys, studies assessing iron intake and status should consider gender- and age-stratified analyses.

Keywords

• Public Health Nutrition

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References

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Cite this publication

@article{ulusoygezer2025autism,
  author = {Ulusoy Gezer, Hande G{\"u}l and B{\"u}y{\"u}ktuncer Demirel, Zehra},
  title = {{Autism Spectrum Disorder and Iron Deficiency}},
  journal = {Current Research in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics Journal},
  volume = {1},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1--10},
  publisher = {Hacettepe {\"U}niversitesi},
  year = {2025},
  month = {7},
  url = {https://hacettepe.hbtech.com.tr/en/publication/autism-spectrum-disorder-and-iron-deficiency},
  language = {en},
  keywords = {Public Health Nutrition},
  abstract = {Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, along with restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior. Its etiology involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Children with ASD have been shown to frequently prefer consuming the same foods and to have limited food choices. This situation may lead to inadequate intake of certain nutrients due to reduced dietary variety. One of the nutrients commonly found to be deficient in this population is iron. This review aims to evaluate the relationship between ASD and iron deficiency in children. In addition to limited food preferences, difficulties in chewing and swallowing harder foods ---such as red meat, which is a rich source of iron ---may further reduce iron intake. While some studies have indicated that children with ASD have a lower dietary iron intake compared to their typically developing peers and exhibit a higher prevalence of iron deficiency, others have found no significant differences. To better understand this relationship, there is a need for large-scale studies that utilize multiple types of biological samples and objective assessment methods. Additionally, since ASD is more commonly observed in boys, studies assessing iron intake and status should consider gender- and age-stratified analyses.},
  affiliation = {HACETTEPE {\"U}N{\.I}VERS{\.I}TES{\.I} and HACETTEPE UNIVERSITY}
}

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Ulusoy Gezer, Hande Gül
AU  - Büyüktuncer Demirel, Zehra
TI  - Autism Spectrum Disorder and Iron Deficiency
T2  - Current Research in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics Journal
VL  - 1
IS  - 1
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/07/31/
SP  - 1
EP  - 10
PB  - Hacettepe Üniversitesi
UR  - https://hacettepe.hbtech.com.tr/en/publication/autism-spectrum-disorder-and-iron-deficiency
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, along with restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior. Its etiology involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Children with ASD have been shown to frequently prefer consuming the same foods and to have limited food choices. This situation may lead to inadequate intake of certain nutrients due to reduced dietary variety. One of the nutrients commonly found to be deficient in this population is iron. This review aims to evaluate the relationship between ASD and iron deficiency in children. In addition to limited food preferences, difficulties in chewing and swallowing harder foods —such as red meat, which is a rich source of iron —may further reduce iron intake. While some studies have indicated that children with ASD have a lower dietary iron intake compared to their typically developing peers and exhibit a higher prevalence of iron deficiency, others have found no significant differences. To better understand this relationship, there is a need for large-scale studies that utilize multiple types of biological samples and objective assessment methods. Additionally, since ASD is more commonly observed in boys, studies assessing iron intake and status should consider gender- and age-stratified analyses.
KW  - Public Health Nutrition
LA  - en
AD  - HACETTEPE ÜNİVERSİTESİ
AD  - HACETTEPE UNIVERSITY
ER  -