BioPsy – Benefits of Omega-3 Supplementation in Children With Autism

Amminger GP, Berger GE, Schäfer MR, Klier C, Friedrich MH, Feucht M.

Source

Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. paul.amminger@meduniwien.ac.at

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There is increasing evidence that fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances may contribute to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders.

METHODS:

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 6-week pilot trial investigating the effects of 1.5 g/d of omega-3 fatty acids (.84 g/d eicosapentaenoic acid, .7 g/d docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation in 13 children (aged 5 to 17 years) with autistic disorders accompanied by severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior. The outcome measure was the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) at 6 weeks.

RESULTS:

We observed an advantage of omega-3 fatty acids compared with placebo for hyperactivity and stereotypy, each with a large effect size. Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated a trend toward superiority of omega-3 fatty acids over placebo for hyperactivity. No clinically relevant adverse effects were elicited in either group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for children with autism.

PMID:

 

16920077

 

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]