A 2026 cross-sectional study of 303 Brazilian children with autism found that 77% were picky eaters, yet both selective and non-selective eaters had similar nutrient deficiencies. According to Gram Research analysis, both groups lacked adequate copper, potassium, calcium, and vitamin A while consuming excess sodium, suggesting that nutrient gaps in autism are widespread regardless of food selectivity. The findings indicate all children with autism need routine nutrition screening and intervention.
A new study of 303 Brazilian children and teens with autism found that most struggle to get enough important vitamins and minerals in their diet. Researchers discovered that 77% of the kids were picky eaters, but surprisingly, both picky and non-picky eaters had similar nutrient problems. Kids in both groups weren’t getting enough copper, potassium, calcium, and vitamin A, while eating too much salt. The findings suggest that all children with autism need regular nutrition check-ups to make sure they’re getting the nutrients their bodies need to grow and stay healthy.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 303 children with autism in Brazil found that 77% exhibited food selectivity, yet both picky and non-picky eaters showed similar inadequacies in copper, potassium, calcium, and retinol intake.
According to research reviewed by Gram, both selective and non-selective eaters with autism had excessive sodium intake and significant nutrient gaps, with only vitamin C and phosphorus showing meaningful differences between the two groups.
A 2026 study of 303 Brazilian children and adolescents with autism found high-frequency inadequacies in copper, potassium, calcium, and retinol across all participants, regardless of food selectivity status.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether picky eating in children with autism affects how many important nutrients (like vitamins and minerals) they get from food
- Who participated: 303 children and teenagers aged 2 to 18 years old with autism who visited a public health clinic in Brazil between 2021 and 2025
- Key finding: 77% of the kids were picky eaters, but both picky and non-picky eaters had similar problems getting enough key nutrients like calcium, potassium, copper, and vitamin A
- What it means for you: If your child has autism, they should have their nutrition checked regularly by a doctor or nutritionist, whether or not they’re a picky eater. This helps catch nutrient gaps early and prevent health problems.
The Research Details
Researchers looked at 303 children and teens with autism in Brazil and asked their families what they ate over three different days. They used a special method to figure out what nutrients the kids usually got from their food. They also checked if the kids were picky eaters by looking at what types of foods they ate and asking parents questions about mealtime behavior. Then they compared how many nutrients the picky eaters got versus the non-picky eaters to see if there were big differences.
This type of study is called a ‘cross-sectional study,’ which means researchers looked at everyone at one point in time rather than following them over months or years. The researchers used a special computer tool called the Multiple Source Method to figure out the kids’ usual nutrient intake, which helps account for the fact that what kids eat changes from day to day.
Many previous studies on this topic didn’t properly account for the fact that kids eat different amounts of different foods on different days. This new study used a better method to get a more accurate picture of what kids with autism actually eat over time. This matters because if you only look at what someone ate on one day, you might think they’re not getting enough nutrients when they actually are, or vice versa. Getting the real picture helps doctors and parents make better decisions about nutrition.
This study is reliable because it included a large group of 303 children, used a validated method to measure food intake (three separate 24-hour recalls), and used a scientific tool designed to estimate usual nutrient intake. The study was published in a respected nutrition journal. However, the study only looked at children in one region of Brazil, so the results might not apply to all children with autism everywhere. Also, the study relied on parents remembering what their kids ate, which can sometimes be inaccurate.
What the Results Show
The study found that 77% of the children and teens with autism were picky eaters. When researchers compared the picky eaters to the non-picky eaters, they found that both groups had similar problems getting enough nutrients. Specifically, both groups weren’t getting enough copper, potassium, calcium, and retinol (a form of vitamin A). Additionally, both groups were eating too much sodium (salt).
Interestingly, only two nutrients showed meaningful differences between the picky and non-picky eaters: vitamin C and phosphorus. This was surprising because it suggested that being a picky eater didn’t explain most of the nutrient problems. Instead, it appears that children with autism in general may have difficulty getting balanced nutrition, regardless of whether they’re selective about food.
The findings suggest that the nutrient gaps aren’t just about refusing certain foods. Other factors might be involved, such as the types of foods available to the families, how much money they have to spend on food, or other aspects of how autism affects eating and nutrition.
The study found that sodium intake was excessive in both groups, meaning kids were eating too much salt. This is important because too much salt can affect heart health and blood pressure, even in children. The study also noted that the inadequacies in copper, potassium, and calcium were particularly concerning because these minerals are important for bone health, muscle function, and overall development in growing children.
According to Gram Research analysis, previous studies have reported that children with autism often have feeding difficulties and nutrient gaps, but many of those studies didn’t properly measure what kids actually eat over time. This study adds to that body of research by using a more accurate method and showing that the nutrient problems are widespread in the autism population, not just limited to picky eaters. This finding challenges the assumption that fixing picky eating alone will solve nutrition problems in children with autism.
This study only looked at children in one city in Brazil, so the results might not apply to children with autism in other countries or regions with different food availability and cultures. The study relied on parents remembering what their children ate, which can be inaccurate. The study was done at one point in time, so we don’t know if these nutrient gaps stay the same over months or years. Additionally, the study didn’t look at whether the nutrient gaps were actually causing health problems in these children.
The Bottom Line
All children with autism should have their nutrition checked by a doctor or registered dietitian regularly, whether or not they’re picky eaters. Parents should work with nutrition professionals to ensure their child is getting enough calcium, potassium, copper, and vitamin A, and to reduce excess salt intake. This might involve food fortification, supplements, or working with a dietitian to find acceptable foods that provide these nutrients. These recommendations are based on solid evidence from this study and should be discussed with your child’s healthcare provider.
Parents and caregivers of children with autism should pay attention to these findings. Healthcare providers, pediatricians, and dietitians who work with children with autism should use this research to guide their nutrition screening practices. Teachers and school staff who work with children with autism may also benefit from understanding that nutrition support is important for all children with autism. This research is less relevant for children without autism, though some findings about nutrient adequacy may apply broadly.
Nutrient deficiencies can develop over weeks to months, but the effects on health and development may take longer to appear. If a child starts getting adequate nutrients through diet changes or supplements, improvements in energy, focus, and overall health might be noticed within a few weeks to a few months. However, some benefits like improved bone health may take longer to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do picky eaters with autism have worse nutrition than kids with autism who eat more foods?
A 2026 study of 303 children with autism found that picky and non-picky eaters had similar nutrient deficiencies. Both groups lacked adequate calcium, potassium, copper, and vitamin A, suggesting food selectivity alone doesn’t explain nutrition gaps in autism.
What nutrients are kids with autism most likely to be missing?
Research shows children with autism commonly lack copper, potassium, calcium, and vitamin A while eating too much sodium. These deficiencies occur in both picky and non-picky eaters, indicating a widespread nutrition challenge in this population.
Should my child with autism get a nutrition evaluation?
Yes. A 2026 study recommends routine nutritional screening for all children with autism, regardless of whether they’re picky eaters. This helps identify nutrient gaps early and allows healthcare providers to recommend appropriate interventions like dietary changes or supplements.
Can supplements help if my child with autism isn’t getting enough nutrients?
Supplements may help address specific nutrient gaps identified through screening, but they work best alongside dietary improvements. A registered dietitian can recommend which supplements are appropriate for your child and help identify acceptable foods that provide needed nutrients.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily intake of key nutrients identified as inadequate: calcium (dairy, fortified foods), potassium (fruits, vegetables), copper (nuts, seeds, whole grains), and vitamin A (orange/yellow vegetables, leafy greens). Log servings of these food groups daily and aim for recommended amounts based on your child’s age.
- Use the app to plan meals that include at least one food from each nutrient-deficient category daily. Set reminders for calcium-rich snacks, add potassium-rich foods to lunch, and track sodium intake to identify high-salt foods to reduce. Create a ‘safe foods’ list within the app that includes nutrient-dense options your child will accept.
- Weekly review of nutrient adequacy scores in the app. Monthly comparison of average intake against dietary reference values. Quarterly check-ins with a dietitian using app-generated reports. Track any changes in energy, focus, or health markers alongside nutrition data to identify correlations.
This research provides important information about nutrition patterns in children with autism but should not replace professional medical advice. If you’re concerned about your child’s nutrition, consult with a pediatrician or registered dietitian who can evaluate your child’s individual needs, medical history, and medications. Nutrient supplementation should only be started under professional guidance. This study was conducted in Brazil and may not fully apply to all populations or regions.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
