Researchers continue to explore whether fish oil provides health benefits for a variety of conditions. The body cannot create the essential omega-3 fatty acids, supplied by the consumption of fish or fish oil supplements. The brain requires the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid for healthy development and growth. These omega-3 fatty acids may help to diminish some of the aggressive behaviors exhibited by some children diagnosed with autism.
Autism and Aggression
Although all autistic children exhibit mild to severe problems with social skills, communication and behavior, some autistic children struggle with emotional difficulties. Emotional difficulties prevent autistic children from self-monitoring their emotions and expressing emotions appropriately. For example, the child may laugh, cry or yell uncontrollably without an observable cause for the behavior. These children may respond to stress with aggressive behaviors such as destroying property, tantrums, hurting others and harming themselves.
Autism and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Research indicates that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids coexist with psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Similar omega-3 deficiencies exist in children who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism. A study in the September 2008 issue of the journal "Clinical Biochemistry" reported low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in autistic children when compared to a control group. Unfortunately, a limited number of studies prevents researchers from advocating shared conclusions about the effects of omega-3 fatty acids.
Aggression and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The Bastyr Center for Natural Health reports that fish oil supplements improved the aggressive, irritable and hyperactive behaviors of autistic children. However, even though approximately 29 percent of autistic children take omega-3 fatty acids as an alternative medical therapy, prior studies have not yielded consistent results. A review of studies was conducted by Stephen Bent and his colleagues at the University of California. The review appears in the August 2009 Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and suggests that researchers should design new studies to include larger sample sizes. Additional research could validate the use of omega-3 fatty acids to treat the aggressive behavioral symptoms of autism.
Implications for Parents
Consult with your child's doctor before adding fish oil supplements to your child's diet. Some of the side effects of fish oil supplements include nausea, loose stools, rash and nosebleeds. If your child obtains fish oil through food sources, avoid fish meats that pose a risk for mercury contamination. Examples of fish to avoid are king mackerel, shark and farm-raised salmon.
References
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Autistic Children
- "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review; Stephen Bent, et al.; August 2009
- "Clinical Biochemistry"; Role of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Management of Egyptian Children With Autism; N.A. Meguid, et al.; September 2008
- "Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America"; Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder; Susan E. Levy, M.D., et al.; October 2008
- Helpguide.org: Austism Spectrum Disorders
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
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