Autism Spectrum Disorder is a disorder that compromises social interaction and communication in children. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients lacking in the modern diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to be important in development and proper signaling in the nervous system. Although research has consistently found lower omega-3 levels in children with ASD, it remains unclear whether omega-3's are an effective and safe treatment.
About Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASD covers a range of disorders that pervasively disrupt a child's ability to communicate and interact in social contexts and may feature routines or repetitive behavior. Individuals with ASD can have a broad range of symptoms ranging from minor to severe. ASD is thought a result of the inability to properly process large amounts of information in the brain. Many disruptions of the brain can result in ASD symptoms and the genes, damage, molecules and random events that can contribute are even more numerous. Treatments include behavioral therapy, special educational methods and medications to manage symptoms.
About Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that are lacking in the modern diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are used by the body to produce phospholipids that are integral components of the membranes surrounding every cell in your body. The integrity of the cellular membrane is especially important in the nervous system, where an imbalance can interfere with normal signaling between brain cells. Omega-3 fatty acids are also used to produce a variety of biochemical signals, especially those regulating inflammation.
Will Omega-3's Help?
The bottom line is that there is not yet enough evidence to support omega-3 fatty acids as a safe and effective treatment for ASD, according to a 2009 review of 143 research studies on ASD by Bent, Bertoglio and Hendren. Initial results show that omega-3 fatty acids may be effective in controlling ASD symptoms and managing side effects of ASD medication, including cardiac irregularities.
Safe Supplementation
Omega-3 supplements should only be given to a child with ASD under the supervision of your healthcare provider. Omega-3 supplements high in the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA such as fish oil, krill oil or algae oil should be used as these were used in reported studies. If it is difficult to take omega-3 supplements as pills, bulk oil can be added to food after cooking.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Medical Reference: Complementary Medicine: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- "Biological Phychiatry"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Children with Autism: a Double-blind Randomized, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study; Amminger et al.; 2007
- "Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria"; May the Best Friend Be an Enemy if Not Recognized Early: Possible Role of Omega-3 Against Cardiovascular Abnormalities Due to Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Autism; Cysnerios et al.; 2009
- "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Autistic Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review; Bent, Bertoglio & Hendren; 2009
- National Institute of Child Health & Human Development: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)
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