Research: Folate and Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Psychiatric Disease

Authored by Muskiert, F., and Kemperman R. in Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Volume 17, Issue 11, p. 717-727, (2006).

Article summary (posted Nov 14, 2006):

This article suggests that fish oil may be an effective therapy for autism.

Experts estimate that the incidence of autism has increased approximately ten-fold in the last 30 years. Twin studies seem to suggest that genetics plays an important role in autism. The authors of this review article note that autism is not completely inherited and is likely the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many studies have suggested that genetics may determine which children are at risk for autism and the environment may be the actual trigger for autism. The authors go on to suggest that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) in the diet may contribute to the presence and severity of autism.

Links:

You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
autism, diet, environment, folate, genetic, omega-3, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), psychiatric, review article, therapy, trigger, twin
Share |