Omega-3 Fatty Acids Studied in Autism
A study epublished in March 2015 reports that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation benefits symptoms in subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the prevalence of autism in the U.S. increased by 119.4% from 2000 (1 in 150 births) to 2010 (1 in 68 births). Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability, increasing by 6% to 15% each year from 2002 to 2010.
In this open-label trial, researchers supplemented 41 children and adolescents seven to 18 years of age diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder with omega-3 fatty acids for 12 weeks. The investigators measured levels of blood fatty acids at the beginning of the study and again after the intervention period. They also assessed the subjects using the Social Responsiveness Scale and the Social and Attention Problems Syndrome scales of the Child Behavior Checklist.
The subjects markedly improved on all subscales of the Social Responsiveness Scale and the Social and Attention Problems Syndrome scales of the Child Behavior Checklist. Increases in blood fatty acid levels also were associated with improvements in the primary symptoms of autism. Furthermore, concentrations of blood fatty acids at the beginning of the study predicted how well the children responded to the omega-3 supplementation. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids was well tolerated without serious side effects reported.
The researchers concluded, "Our findings lend some preliminary support for the use of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in addressing ASD. Future randomized controlled trials of omega-3 fatty acids in ASD with blood fatty acid measurements with a larger sample and longer follow-up period is warranted."
Reference:
Ooi YP, et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Mar 25. [Epub ahead of print.]
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