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Symptomatic Vitamin A and D Deficiencies in an Eight‐Year‐Old With Autism
Author(s) -
Clark Joseph H.,
Rhoden Donna K.,
Turner Denece S.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.935
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1941-2444
pISSN - 0148-6071
DOI - 10.1177/0148607193017003284
Subject(s) - xerophthalmia , limp , rickets , medicine , autism , malnutrition , pediatrics , vitamin d and neurology , physical examination , vitamin , vitamin a deficiency , physiology , retinol , surgery , psychiatry
An 8‐year‐old boy with autism developed a limp and periorbital swelling. He was found to have hypocalcemia and radiographic evidence of rickets. Ophthalmologic examination revealed xerophthalmia and corneal erosions. Serum vitamin A was undetectable and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was decreased. Dietary history revealed a markedly altered intake consisting of only french fried potatoes and water for several years. All biochemical and physical abnormalities reversed with appropriate supplementation. The nutritional content of french fries is reviewed. Feeding dysfunction is an integral part of autism and closer attention should be paid to potential nutritional deficiencies. ( Journal of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition 17 :284–286, 1993)