Summary:
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by involuntary motor and vocal tics that typically begin in childhood. It is estimated to affect around 1% of school-aged children in the United Kingdom. Tic severity is known to fluctuate and can be influenced by stress, fatigue, excitement, and anxiety. Dietary behaviours have also been reported to affect tic expression, with higher tic frequency linked to consumption of caffeine, refined sugars, and alcohol. Children with Tourette syndrome may be at increased nutritional risk due to atypical eating behaviours. Studies have reported higher levels of food selectivity, food refusal, and avoidance. Persistent food selectivity has been associated with unhealthy dietary patterns, including reduced vegetable intake, and with both low and high body mass index. These patterns increase the risk of micronutrient deficiencies and poor overall diet quality. Existing research in Tourette syndrome suggests potential nutrient inadequacies, including low iron stores, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Surveys indicate widespread use of dietary supplements to manage tics, particularly minerals and B-group vitamins, despite limited controlled evidence. Small clinical studies have reported mixed findings, with omega-3 supplementation showing benefit for some tic-related symptoms. This study is a observational study that compared dietary intake in children with and without Tourette syndrome using a parent-reported 24-hour food diary. Parents of 43 children with Tourette syndrome and 38 age-matched children without a clinical diagnosis participated. Over half of the children with Tourette syndrome fell outside the healthy body mass index range. Compared with controls, children with Tourette syndrome consumed fewer servings of fruit and vegetables and were less likely to meet recommended intakes for several micronutrients, including vitamins B3, B6, and C, selenium, and phosphorus. These findings highlight an increased nutritional risk in children with Tourette syndrome. Improved understanding of dietary intake in this group is important for clinicians, primary care providers, and caregivers, particularly when managing restricted eating patterns and concerns about growth, nutrient adequacy, and long-term health.
Abstract:
Objectives: Children with Tourette syndrome (TS) have been shown to exhibit high levels of food selectivity; however, its association with nutritional status has yet to be explored. The current study explored macro and micronutrient intake and food selectivity among children with and without TS, using 24-hour dietary recall and the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Method: Parents of 43 children diagnosed with TS and 38 age-matched children without a clinical diagnosis completed an online 24-hour food diary. Results: Fifty-eight per cent of children with TS were identified as falling outside of the healthy BMI range (underweight = 24.2%; overweight = 27.3%; obese = 6.1%). Children with TS also consumed fewer portions of fruit and vegetables along with meeting the daily reference nutrient intake guidelines significantly less often for vitamins B3, B6 and C, selenium and phosphorus compared to children without TS. Conclusions: Understanding the nutritional risk of children with TS relative to other children is important to clinicians and health care professionals who oversee nutritional inspection in primary care, and caregivers who are worried about the impact of limited or restricted diets.
Article Publication Date: 2/10/2024
DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2024.2408978
