Sweet Potato

What are Sweet Potatoes?

• Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and help with healthy brain function. Sweet potatoes are extremely versatile vegetables with a variety of ways to prepare and enjoy them, making them a great option for picky eaters!

• Sweet potatoes are sweet, starchy vegetables and are actually not part of the potato family, but part of the root vegetable family instead.

• Sweet potatoes are commonly mistaken with yams as they have very similar tastes and appearances, although they have slightly different nutrient values.

•  The antioxidants found in sweet potatoes that give them their warm tones have been shown to reduce inflammation and protect our cells from damage. [5-7]

• Sweet potatoes come in a variety of colors like orange, yellow, and even purple which gives a great variety for picky eaters to chose from! The different colors of sweet potato depend on the antioxidants that it’s made of. 

• Sweet potatoes are one of the riches vegetable sources of vitamin A which has been linked to improving behavior associated with ASD. [2-3]

• This starchy vegetable also helps with digestion, specifically constipation, as it’s vitamin A and magnesium concentration is rich. These nutrients have been shown to have a slight laxative effect on those with ASD. [2-4]

Nutrient Breakdown

Sweet Potato is a great source of:

• Fiber

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin C

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Vitamin B6
  

Foods Containing Sweet Potato

• Sweet potato fries 

• Potato pancakes

• Crackers (like these!)

• Chips (like these!)

• Soups & Stews

• Skillets

• Sweet potato pie 

• Sweet potato waffles

• Baby food, purees, and pouches (like these!)

Sweet Potato Alternatives

If your child doesn’t like sweet potato yet or they are sensitive to them, here are some alternatives that are similar in nutritional value! 

• Yams 

• Pumpkin 

• Butternut squash

• Acorn squash

• Spaghetti squash

• Carrots

• Beets
  

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.

Sweet Potato & Autism in the Research

Sweet Potato and Behavior

• Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamin A. Studies have shown that vitamin A deficiency can affect brain development and nerve growth/function which in-turn affects the overall behavior in children with ASD.[2-3] 

• Vitamin A supplementation has been shown to improve ASD behavior symptoms in children who are deficient in this nutrient.[2-3] 

Sweet Potato and Digestion

• Studies have displayed a correlation between Vitamin A deficiency and gut motility (Gastrointestinal) issues such as constipation. [2-3]

• Sweet potatoes are also a rich source of magnesium which has also been shown to assist with constipation and digestion issues related to ASD. [4]

Sweet Potato and Inflammation

• Sweet potatoes get their warm color from phytochemicals called beta-carotenoids. Beta-carotenoids are an antioxidant which protect cells from damage and improve brain function. [7]

• Beta-carotenoids have been shown in many studies to prevent and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. [5-6]

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• References

  [1] Sweet potatoes. The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/sweet-potatoes/. Published July 6, 2021. Accessed August 17, 2022.

  [2] Liu Z, Wang J, Xu Q, Hong Q, Zhu J, Chi X. Research Progress in Vitamin A and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behav Neurol. 2021;2021:5417497. Published 2021 Dec 7. doi:10.1155/2021/5417497

  [3] Cheng B, Zhu J, Yang T, et al. Vitamin A deficiency exacerbates autism-like behaviors and abnormalities of the enteric nervous system in a valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. Neurotoxicology. 2020;79:184-190. doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2020.06.004

  [4] Mori H, Tack J, Suzuki H. Magnesium Oxide in Constipation. Nutrients. 2021;13(2):421. Published 2021 Jan 28. doi:10.3390/nu13020421

  [5] 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

  [6] 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 

  [7] Unno K. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2015;135(1):41-46. doi:10.1248/yakushi.14-00208-2

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Authors

Kassidy Murray, Dietetic Intern

Edited and Reviewed by Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT