Gait problems could be first symptom of scurvy in children with ASD

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and restricted eating habits may develop scurvy that first manifests as gait problems, according to researchers in Argentina.

M. Belén Vietti and colleagues conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of patients presenting with gait problems at a hospital pediatric neurology department. They identified all patients with ASD, restrictive eating patterns, and clinical features consistent with scurvy.

They report, “Nine patients met the inclusion criteria. All presented with subacute gait disturbance (limping, antalgic gait [abnormal gait due to pain], or refusal to walk) associated with pain, cramps, or weakness.” While none of the children had previous diagnoses of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, dietary histories revealed severe food intake restrictions. Five of the children exhibited skin hemorrhages or bruising, which can be symptoms of scurvy, but all physical measurements were within normal ranges. Testing revealed that all of the children had significant vitamin C deficiencies, and treatment led to improvement within one week and eventually to normal gait patterns.

The researchers conclude that doctors should consider scurvy as a possible diagnosis whenever children with ASD have restrictive eating habits and gait problems, even if they do not exhibit other symptoms. “Early recognition and targeted laboratory testing,” they say, “enable timely treatment, preventing unnecessary investigations and allowing for rapid clinical recovery.”

Citations

“Gait disturbance secondary to scurvy in patients with ASD and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): presentation of a case series,” M Belén Vietti, Noelia Chamorro, Clarisa Maxit, Alejandra Gonzalez, Antonella Mendoza, and Esteban Vaucheret Paz, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, January 10, 2026 (online). Address: Esteban Vaucheret Paz, Pediatric Neurology Department, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. esteban. [email protected].