Autism is a neuropsychological developmental disorder, which is generally recognized and diagnosed in early childhood. Although it varies in severity from child to child, autism affects language, behavior and social interactions and has no cure, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Although a variety of therapies are used in the treatment of autism, no one intervention works for every autistic child, and symptoms are often difficult to treat. Some parents explore dietary interventions, including the use of fish-oil supplements, such as cod-liver oil.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy unsaturated fat. Although they are necessary for health, your body does not manufacture them. Therefore, they must be obtained from food or supplements -- such as cod-liver oil. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the body by regulating cholesterol, protecting against heart disease and some forms of cancer and encouraging brain and nerve health. Because of their role in promoting brain function, omega-3 fatty acids have been investigated as potentially linked to autism and other similar disorders.
Omega-3s and Autism
Research of omega-3 fatty acids and autism is preliminary thus far. But there is some suggestion that these nutrients may be helpful. A study at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio found that children with autism showed significantly lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their in blood cells than normally developing children. A small pilot study reported in the journal "Biological Psychiatry" revealed that omega-3 supplementation improved symptoms of severe tantrums, aggression and self-injurious behaviors in autistic children. More research is clearly needed to fully determine if omega-3 fatty acids effectively treat autism symptoms.
Cod-Liver Oil and Omega-3s
Cod-liver oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. According to the Tufts University School of Medicine, cod-liver oil has 2.8 g of omega-3 fatty acids per tablespoon. It may be especially challenging to feed cod liver oil to a child with autism. Fish oil generally has a strong taste, and autistic children -- more so than normally developing children -- tend to be inflexible regarding what and when they'll eat. However, cod-liver oil is safe for children with autism and may provide benefits, according to the journal "Alternative Medicine Review."
Considerations
Autism is a complicated brain disorder with numerous symptoms that require intervention. Children with autism are generally treated with a combination of therapies, such as medications, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, educational therapy and dietary interventions. If you are interested in cod-liver oil for your child with autism, talk with your child's pediatrician or autism treatment team to discuss the use of this supplement, along with other aspects of treatment. All supplements carry some risk of side effects and drug interactions, so obtain medical approval for the use of cod-liver oil before beginning supplementation.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Autism Definition; May 2010
- Tufts University School of Medicine; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; March 2002
- University of Cincinnati HealthNews; Lack of Food Variety Puts Kids With Autism at Risk for Poor Nutrition; May 2009
- "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
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Autism, an Extreme Challenge to Integrative Medicine. Part 2: Medical Management; P. M. Kidd; December 2002
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