Pumpkin
What is a Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is a type of winter squash that is a great source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which can help with ASD symptoms in aiding in digestion, reducing inflammation, and benefit the brain and cells.
Pumpkins are a type of winter fruit which grow on vines. They are round and have a smooth, ribbed texture and have a thick shell.
Canned pumpkin is available all year round and has a very similar nutrient value in comparison to fresh pumpkin. Tip: if buying canned pumpkin, be sure to buy pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling by mistake!
Pumpkins are classified as a fruit but are universally treated and cooked as if they were a vegetable. [2]
Pumpkin is a good source of magnesium which can help treat common conditions in ASD like constipation and hyperactive behavior. [1]
Pumpkin is also a great source of potassium which has been linked to improving sleep issues in individuals with ASD. [7]
Pumpkins consist of antioxidants called beta-carotenoids (including β-cryptoxanthin) which reduce inflammation. [3-4]
β-cryptoxanthin has been proven to improve brain function and prolong the process of the brain aging as well as helping protect the cells from free radical damage. [4]
Nutrient Breakdown
Pumpkin is a great source of:
Foods Containing Pumpkin
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Seeds
Crackers
Pumpkin Cheerios
Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin Pancakes
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Butter
Pumpkin Alternatives
If your child doesn’t like pumpkin yet or they are sensitive to them, here are some alternatives that are similar in nutritional value!
Yams
Butternut Squash
Other Squashes
Food Reactions
The body can respond to foods in many different ways including food allergies, food sensitivities, or food intolerances. If you suspect a food reaction, you can either choose to avoid the food or seek food reaction testing. Click here more information on the difference in types of food reactions and testing options.
DISCLAIMER: Always consult with your pediatrician and/or your Registered Dietitian to help you test for a food reaction or to aid you in making individualized dietary changes.
Pumpkin & Autism in the Research
While there are no specific studies currently on pumpkins and autism, studies show that some of the nutrients found in pumpkins have roles to play for individuals with autism.
Pumpkin and Constipation
Pumpkin is a good source of magnesium. Magnesium has been shown to be successful in acting as a laxative for those who experience constipation. [8]
Constipation is a common symptom for children with ASD as well as hyperactivity, which magnesium has also been shown to help reduce as it has a calming effect when consumed. [1]
Pumpkin and Sleep
Pumpkin is also a great source of potassium. Potassium levels are commonly low in individuals with autism due to repetitive eating patterns as well as consuming a low intake of fruits and vegetables. [6]
Potassium supplementation has been shown to improve poor sleep quality and sleep issues, another common ASD symptom. [7]
Pumpkin and Inflammation
Pumpkins consists of beta-carotenoids which give this fruit its warm, fall orange color. The carotenoid that is important in aiding with ASD symptoms is β-cryptoxanthin. This beta-carotenoid has been shown to reducing inflammation, swelling, and oxidative stress. [3-4]
Β-cryptoxanthin is an antioxidant which has been linked in a study to slowing down the process of aging in the brain by delaying its atrophy as well as delaying its dysfunction. Antioxidants also protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. [5]
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Description text goes here[1] Mousain-Bosc M, Siatka C, Bali JP. Magnesium, hyperactivity and autism in children. In: Vink R, Nechifor M, eds. Magnesium in the Central Nervous System. Adelaide (AU): University of Adelaide Press; 2011.
[2] Winter Squash. The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/winter-squash/. Published July 6, 2021. Accessed August 16, 2022.
[3] Burri BJ, La Frano MR, Zhu C. Absorption, metabolism, and functions of β-cryptoxanthin. Nutr Rev. 2016;74(2):69-82. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuv064
[4] Sari Voutilainen, Tarja Nurmi, Jaakko Mursu, Tiina H Rissanen, Carotenoids and cardiovascular health, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 83, Issue 6, June 2006, Pages 1265–1271, https://doi-org.webproxy2.ouhsc.edu/10.1093/ajcn/83.6.1265
[5] Unno K. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2015;135(1):41-46. doi:10.1248/yakushi.14-00208-2
[6] Berding K, Donovan SM. Diet can impact microbiota composition in children with autism spectrum disorder. Front Neurosci. 2018;12.
[7] Drennan MD, Kripke DF, Klemfuss HA, Moore JD. Potassium affects actigraph-identified sleep. Sleep. 1991;14(4):357-360.
[8] Mori H, Tack J, Suzuki H. Magnesium Oxide in Constipation. Nutrients. 2021;13(2):421. Published 2021 Jan 28. doi:10.3390/nu13020421
Authors
Kassidy Murray, Dietetic Intern
Edited and Reviewed by Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
