Generally diagnosed in toddlerhood, autism is a chronic developmental disorder whose prevalence rate is rising, according to MayoClinic.com. Its symptoms, which include social interaction deficits, speech limitations and a host of abnormal behaviors, vary in number as well as severity, with two autistic children often presenting with very different characteristics and impairments. Autism symptoms are generally debilitating and notoriously difficult to treat, so it's understandable that parents of children with autism often seek as many treatment options as possible. One alternative medicine treatment is omega-3 supplementation, such as with cod liver oil.
Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil is obtained from codfish and is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. The Tufts University School of Medicine explains that these fatty acids are essential, healthy fats not manufactured by the human body, so people must obtain them via food or supplements. Omega-3s are important for a variety of reasons -- lowering heart disease risk, regulating cholesterol, keeping the brain and nerves healthy and possibly helping treat symptoms of brain disorders like ADHD and autism. Cod liver oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, with 2.8 g per tablespoon, according to Tufts University.
Omega-3 Effectiveness
Although research thus far is preliminary, there is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may indeed be effective in treating autism symptoms. A 2007 study in the journal "Biological Psychiatry" found that autistic children treated with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation over a six-week period showed improvement in their autism symptoms, compared with children who received a placebo. This study was very small, and more research is needed. The University of Minnesota calls the limited research thusfar regarding omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of autism encouraging, but notes that evidence is somewhat mixed.
Multifaceted Treatment
Treatment for autism is variable and multifaceted, with no one intervention working for everyone with autism. In general, autism symptoms are treated through a combination of behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and medications, the details of which will vary from person to person. Special diets are sometimes tried as well, such as cutting out artificial colors, preservatives, gluten or casein. If you are the parent of an autistic child and are interested in using cod liver oil supplementation as a treatment strategy, keep in mind that such supplement therapy should be combined with other treatment approaches rather than used as a substitute for other therapies.
Considerations
If you have questions or concerns about the use of cod liver oil or any other omega-3 fatty acid source for autism symptoms, consult a physician or other health professional with specialty expertise in the treatment of autism. Seek expert advice regarding an appropriate dosage, and follow recommended advice for combining cod liver oil supplementation with other necessary aspects of treatment.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Autism Definition; May 2010
- Tufts University School of Medicine Nutrition/Infection Unit; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; March 2002
- "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
- University of Minnesota Taking Charge of Your Health; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Allison Golnick, M.D., M.P.H.
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