Choline Intake and Sensory Processing Symptoms in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

OBJECTIVES: Sensory processing differences are frequently experienced by both children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can greatly influence quality of life. Evidence exists to suggest a potential relationship of one carbon metabolism (OCM) nutrients with core diagnostic aspects of autism, but little is known about OCM nutrients in relation to sensory processing symptoms in autism. This study sought to observe associations between OCM nutrient intake and sensory assessment scores in school-age children with ASD. METHODS: Families with a child aged 6–10 with ASD were recruited, and a parent completed all questionnaires on their child's behalf (n = 28). The Harvard Youth and Adolescent food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess nutrient intake, and the Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) was used to assess sensory processing across 13 sensory domains. Linear regression models were developed for all sensory domains with respect to intake of each individual OCM micronutrient (categorized as lower or higher than the median intake, to account for skewing). The following nutrients were included: choline, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folate, and zinc. Models were adjusted for age and use of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication. RESULTS: Intake exceeded the DRI values for the OCM nutrients, with 26 of 28 the children's intake meeting the DRI for each nutrient except choline (11 of 28). Regression analysis showed that dietary choline intake was positively associated with SP2 scores in the avoider, visual, and touch domains (p < 0.05), and was approaching significance in the seeker, auditory, and conduct domains (p < 0.10). Regression analysis of the other OCM nutrients did not produce significant associations with any SP2 score. CONCLUSIONS: Initial results from this small observational study suggest that nutritional intake of choline may be associated with sensory processing symptoms in children with ASD, which identifies choline as a potential nutritional support in future studies. Additional research is first needed to confirm these findings in a larger sample, and to explore directionality of potential relationships. FUNDING SOURCES: American Egg Board/Egg Nutrition Center.