Autism and Food: Understanding the Impact of Excessive Sweets on Autistic Children

Rupali Singh, B.Optom

Clinical Binocular Vision and CVI Optometrist, Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi, India

Autism is a condition that affects the way a person’s brain develops and how they experience the world around them. ⁽¹⁾ It can make it harder for them to communicate, understand social cues, and engage in activities in the same way as others. People with autism might have different strengths and challenges compared to those without autism. For example, they might be good at focusing on certain tasks or have a strong interest in specific topics. Every person with autism is unique, and they may experience the world in their own special way. Autistic children might seem hyperactive because their brains uniquely process information. This can make them more sensitive to their surroundings or more focused on certain things. For example, they might be interested in a specific toy or activity and have a lot of energy when they are engaged with it. This intense focus and energy can sometimes come across as hyperactivity. ⁽¹⁾ It is important to understand that each autistic child is different, so what triggers their hyperactivity can vary due to sugar intake many studies have proven that interestingly, some studies showed that there was a relationship between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSBs) intake with emotional and behavioural problems in typically developing (TD)children ⁽²⁾, such as depression ⁽³⁾, and hyperactivity/inattention.

• Sugar: It may be best to avoid sugar to maintain balanced sugar levels as autistic children show hyperactivity
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG): can cause overstimulation in the brain, leading to hyperactivity.
• Artificial ingredients: Avoid foods with artificial dyes, artificial flavours, additives, and preservatives, as some studies have shown potential links between autism and ingredients found in processed foods.
• Toxins: Avoid large fish that contain mercury, which is an immunotoxin that can impair the immune system. Avoid meat and dairy products that contain toxins such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, pesticides, brominated flame retardants, and perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs).
• Dairy products: Dairy is pro-inflammatory, which can impair immune function. Some people have also experienced brain fog and the inability to concentrate when consuming dairy products.
• Gluten: Gluten may cause inflammation and decrease cerebellum function, which is involved with motor and thought coordination.

An optometrist should suggest a proper diet to a child with autism after measuring his/her whole-body mass index and consulting with a dietician. ⁽⁴⁾

References:

1. Maye, Melissa P., Ivy Giserman Kiss, and Alice S. Carter. “Definitions and classification of autism spectrum disorders.” Autism Spectrum Disorders. Routledge, 2022. 3-26.
2. Geng, M., Jiang, L., Wu, X., Ding, P., Liu, W., Liu, M., & Tao, F. (2020). Sugar-sweetened beverages consumption are associated with behavioral problems among preschoolers: A population based cross-sectional study in China. Journal of Affective Disorders, 265, 519-525.
3. Knüppel, A., Shipley, M. J., Llewellyn, C. H., & Brunner, E. J. (2017). Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder and depression: prospective findings from the Whitehall II study. Scientific reports, 7(1), 1-10.
4. Raspini, B., Prosperi, M., Guiducci, L., Santocchi, E., Tancredi, R., Calderoni, S., … & Cena, H. (2021). Dietary patterns and weight status in Italian preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children. Nutrients, 13(11), 4039.