Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, are essential fatty acids that play an important role in brain functioning. Cod liver oil is a specific type of fish oil high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and vitamin D. While the use of omega-3 fatty acids as a supplement in children with autism has shown evidence of some reductions in symptoms, further research is needed to determine the impact that cod liver oil may have.
Cod Liver Oil
Often used as a dietary supplement, cod liver oil is derived from the liver of the fish, while traditional fish oil is derived from the entire fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to the body; however, the body cannot produce them. They must be obtained from food sources or dietary supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are important in brain growth and development as well as behavioral functioning. Fish oil capsules are the most common way to obtain dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids.
Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder that becomes apparent in early childhood. Although autism is typically diagnosed before age three, symptoms often become apparent by age two. Children with autism show differences in development in three areas: social interaction, communication and repetitive or stereotypic behavior. Other symptoms of the disorder may include difficulty with pretend play, sensitivity to sensory experiences and aggressive or hyperactive behavior. No single cause for the disorder is known; however, children with autism have been found to have differences in brain functioning. A genetic link is also suspected.
Research
Evidence linking omega-3 fatty acids to autism has emerged. A clinical trial conducted by Louise Patrick and Ronald Salik looked at children with autism and Asperger's disorder taking a 1 g supplement that combined fish oil, omega-3 and borage oil, omega-6. All the children demonstrated improvements over 90 days in learning and language skills. Another study published in Biological Psychiatry gave omega-3 fatty acid supplements to children with autism for a six-week trial and found reductions in hyperactive and stereotypic behavior. Yet another study, published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, found that children with autism given omega-3 supplements demonstrated some improvement in symptoms.
Cod Liver Oil for Autism
Since it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, cod liver oil could be used as an omega-3 supplement; however, no research is available demonstrating its use specifically with autism. According to Dr. Meg Megson, cod liver oil contains a natural form of vitamin A not found in other types of fish oil. She suggests that children on the autism spectrum cannot metabolize artificial vitamin A and benefit from this natural form. Dr. Megson states that this natural vitamin A helps restore speech and vision receptors in the brains of children on the autism spectrum, which can then improve speech and decrease unusual side glances. Despite this speculation, research has not definitively found support for the use of cod liver oil with autism or these claims. Further research may help clarify the potential of this supplement to treat autism, since current research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may have a positive impact on autism symptoms.
References
- Even Better Health; Cod Liver Oil for Children; Dr. Meg Megson
- Natural News; Fish Oil Supplementation and Autism/Asperger's Syndrome: A New Study; Mike Adams; May 2005
- "Biological Psychiatry"; Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in children with autism: a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study; G.P. Amminger, et al; February 2007
- "Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology"; PubMed Health; Omega 3 fatty acid treatment in autism; G. Meiri, et al.; August 2009
- University of Minnesota Medical Center: Vitamin A (Fish Liver Oils), Vitamin D (Fish Liver Oils) Oral capsule
- "University of Maryland Medical Center"; Omega-3 fatty acids; Stephen D Ehrlich, NMD; June 2009
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