The autistic syndrome: A nutritional immunologic profile in a group of children satisfying the DSM-III-R criteria for autis

Twelve autistic children, between the ages of 5 to 10 years, were assessed for nutritional and immunologic status. To help characterize individual and group profiles, reports from anthropometric, dietary intake, biochemical indices of nutritional status, and immunologic baseline data were analyzed.;Dietary analysis revealed a group profile characterized by patterns similar to other children without developmental disorders, and representative of the general population. Biochemical analysis of bio-nutrient and immunocompetence parameters revealed a group profile characterized by (1) considerable individual variability for blood and urinary concentrations of most nutrients tested, serum immunoglobulin, and IgE mediated inhalants; plus (2) group patterns exhibiting a greater percent of subjects reporting normal indices for folate and vitamin B12, delayed hypersensivity, and increased allergenicity to foods and food dyes.;Although the results from this investigation reported abnormal or disordered characteristics within the group, the data suggests a lack of homogeneous dietary and biochemical characteristics which might distinguish a profile selective of autism.