Highly Selective Eating in Autism Spectrum Disorder Leading to Scurvy: A Series of Three Patients

Abstract

Background: Some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have highly specific food selectivity and therefore are prone to nutritional deficiencies of different kinds.

Patients: We document three children with ASD who presented with refusal to walk and gingivitis who underwent comprehensive evaluations before establishing the diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency (scurvy). The symptoms resolved after treatment with vitamin C.

Conclusions: Prevention of nutritional deficiencies in children with ASD is essential, and providing multivitamin supplementation whenever high food selectivity is noted may prevent significant morbidity.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Food selectivity; Scurvy; Vitamin C.