Worried about micronutrients with a very picky eater

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

I’ve been around long enough to know that BBM doesn’t recommend vitamins and the such because it’s very easy to get everything you need in a modern western diet. You also don’t recommend getting blood tests to look for vitamin deficiencies unless a medical professional suggests one based on symptoms.

however I’m wondering if the same recommendations would still hold in the case of my son. My youngest is autistic with limited speech and he is an extremely picky eater. He won’t eat any vegetables, and for fruit he’ll only eat strawberries and canned mixed fruit. Basically his diet consists of Knorr Pasta Side Dishes, popcorn, strawberries, canned mixed fruit, Apple juice and chocolate milk fortified with whey protein powder. Presently we are trying to work in other food, but it’s a real fight.

I’m wondering if it would be a good idea to give him a multi vitamin just to be sure. Do you think there’s any worry of him becoming vitamin deficient? We are thinking of maybe consulting a dietitian.

thanks!

2

While I cannot advise what to do in this specific case, if it were me I wouldn’t jump to a multivitamin. Rather, I’d look for a referral to a specialized dietician who works with these populations to see what, If any, behavior practices may be beneficial.

3

Thanks Jordan,

We are working to get a referral to a dietitian. In your opinion, in the short term, are my worries of a possible vitamin deficiency founded even with on a limited diet?

4

Not really in a developed country in an individual who’s still eating ad libitum :slight_smile:

5

Children with Autism are often picky eaters, I know some parents have found success with ABA therapy in introducing additional foods as well as with feeding therapy if the feeding issue is severe. More and more insurances now cover ABA therapy for people with an Autism diagnosis.