Study Re-Examines Omega-3 Fats in Autism

by | Apr 9, 2010 | 2009, Autism, Brain Health, DHA

Written by Greg Arnold, DC. 1.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day decreased hyperactivity and repetitive movements in children with autism compared to placebo.

Autism is characterized by “a marked impairment” in social interaction, delayed language, and restricted patterns of behavior. Autistic children frequently have serious behavioral disturbances, such as self-injurious behavior, aggression, and tantrums” (1). From 1992-2003, the incidence of autism in the U.S. has increased by 435% (2), now affects 1 in 150 U.S. children (3), and incurs a worldwide cost of at least $90 billion each year (4).

When it comes to treatment outside of prescription medications, a 2006 study (5) showed that 1.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day significantly decreased hyperactivity and repetitive movements (called ‘steriotypy’), compared to placebo. Now a new study (6) has again looked at the role of omega-3 fats in autism.

In the study, 9 children diagnosed with moderate autism according to the Child Autism Rating Scale (7) were given 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids per day (providing 380 mg EPA and 180 mg DHA) for 12 weeks. Each child was evaluated before the exam and at weeks 6 and 12 of the study by a board-certified child psychiatrist. Several rating scales, including the Child Autism Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impressions Scale (8), and Children’s Psychiatric Rating Scale (9) were used to assess their autistic symptoms.

By the end of 12 weeks, the researchers found that those in the omega-3 group had improved their symptoms by 33% compared to the placebo group, with most of the improvements coming by week 6. Only one child in the omega-3 group showed no improvement, but none had a worsening of symptoms. When one of the children stopped taking the omega-3 after 6 weeks, their symptoms worsened but then improved when they resumed taking the omega-3 supplement. The researchers did not state the reason the patient stopped taking the omega-3 supplement and did not state how long before the symptoms worsened before resuming supplementation.

For the researchers, “Omega-3 fatty acids appear to be safe and might be helpful for children suffering from [Autism].”  Although this is a very small study, the results seem promising enough to point the way to larger studies.

Source: Meiri, Gal, Yoav Bichovsky, and R. H. Belmaker. “Omega 3 fatty acid treatment in autism.” Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology 19.4 (2009): 449-451.

© 2012 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Posted April 9, 2010.

Reference:

  1. C.J. McDougle, Pharmacotherapeutic management of autism, Expert Opin Pharmacother 2 (2001), pp. 587–600.
  2. “US Department Statistics On Autism” posted on the American Chiropractic website.
  3. “Autism affects 1 in 150 US Children, New Survey Finds” posted February 9, 2007 in the Washington Post.
  4. Jarbrink K, Knapp M, 2001, London School of Economics study: “The economic impact on autism in Britain,” 5 (1): 7-22.
  5. Amminger GP.  Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Children with Autism: A Double-blind Randomized, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study.  Biol Psych 2006.  In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 22 August 2006.
  6. Meiri G.  Omega 3 Fatty Acid Treatment in Autism.  Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology 2009; 19(4):449-451.
  7. Child Autism Rating Scale – see the Western Psychological Services website.
  8. Clinical Global Impression Scale – see the Servier website.
  9. Children’s Psychiatric Rating Scale – see the Taylor and Francis Online website.