Self-Restricted Diet in Pediatric Autism Leading to Vitamin A Deficiency and Severe Photophobia

Cory J Dixon; Britton A Ethridge; Aaron P Tillman; Joseph H Sugg Jr

doi:10.7759/cureus.54618

Self-Restricted Diet in Pediatric Autism Leading to Vitamin A Deficiency and Severe Photophobia

Cureus. 2024 Feb 21;16(2):e54618. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54618. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Authors

Cory J Dixon¹, Britton A Ethridge¹, Aaron P Tillman¹, Joseph H Sugg Jr²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Research, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA.
² Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Surgical Associates, Dothan, USA.

Abstract

In developed countries, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains rare but is a leading cause of global blindness. We describe the case of a 10-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) initially presenting mild VAD symptoms, escalating to severe photophobia and reluctance to leave a darkened room due to a self-restricted diet of fast-food french fries. A timely examination revealed severe VAD and vitamin A supplementation resolved her symptoms in three weeks. This case highlights the challenge of obtaining accurate patient history in ASD, emphasizing the need for routine dietary discussions and micronutrient testing, especially at ages nine and 13 when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends increased vitamin A intake. Early intervention can prevent micronutrient deficiencies in pediatric patients, particularly those with ASD.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; pediatrics; photophobia; vitamin a deficiency; xerophthalmia.

Publication types

Case Reports