People need omega-3 fatty acids for normal physiological development and maintenance. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is one of the most important of the omega-3s and is the predominate fatty acid of the central nervous system. Its availability is crucial for brain development. The March 2005 issue of "Indian Journal of Pediatrics" hypothesizes that inadequate intake of omega-3s during gestation produces brain development problems that may lead to autism. The body cannot synthesize omega-3s; people must acquire them from dietary sources in adequate amounts.
Infant Intake of Omega-3
Autism can manifest in toddlers who appeared perfectly normal at birth. The observation prompted researchers reporting in the September 2006 issue of the "International Breastfeeding Journal" to investigate the omega-3 intake of infants and a possible link to autism. The authors conducted a survey of 861 children with autistic disorder and 123 control children to test their hypothesis that breastfeeding and use of infant formula supplemented with omega-3s are protective against autism. The results showed that children who were not breastfed nor fed omega-3-enriched formula were significantly more likely to develop autistic disorders.
Omega-3 Levels in Autistic Children
Researchers reporting in the July 2001 issue of "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids" analyzed the essential fatty acid content of blood plasma in autistic children and compared the findings to the levels in mentally retarded children. The researchers compared levels of omega-3s and omega-6 fatty acids. The results showed the levels of omega-3s were significantly lower in the autistic children while there was no difference in the omega-6 levels.
Improvement with Omega-3 Supplementation
Researchers reporting in the February 2007 issue of "Biological Psychiatry" investigated how omega-3 supplements might improve symptoms in autistic children. The authors conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled study of autistic children with severe, aggressive and self-injurious behavior. The children were supplemented 1,500 mg of omega-3 fatty acid per day for six weeks. At the end of the trial, the authors reported there were significant improvements in behavior as measured by Aberrant Behavior Checklist. The authors concluded supplementation may be an effective treatment.
Omega-3 Supplementation Cautions
Researchers reporting in the March 2009 issue of "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders" performed an analysis of clinical trials investigating the link between autism and omega-3 supplementation. They concluded that the study reported in "Biological Psychiatry" is the most scientifically sound trial; however, the sample size is a limiting factor. Nonetheless, the authors note that there are uncontrolled studies whose results are promising in terms of omega-3 benefits for treating autism. Their final word is cautionary and the authors call for more rigorous future studies.
References
- "Indian Journal of Pediatrics"; Essential Fatty Acids, DHA and Human Brain; Meharban Singh; March 2005
- "International Breastfeeding Journal"; Breastfeeding, Infant Formula Supplementation, and Autistic Disorder: the Results of a Parent Survey; Stephen Schultz et al.; September 2006
- "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids"; Plasma Fatty Acid Levels in Autistic Children; Siesel Vancassel et al.; July 2001
- "Biological Psychiatry"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Children with Autism; Paul Amminger et al., February 2007
- "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Autistic Spectrum Disorder; Stephen Bent et al.; March 2009
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