Omega-3 DHA and EPA for Cognition, Behavior, and Mood: Clinical Findings and Structural-Functional Synergies with Cell Membrane Phospholipids

Layperson Summary:

The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA may help behavior problems that are often found with autism.

This review article describes the research behind using omega-3 fatty acids as an autism therapy. In 2001, two groups of case histories found that children with autism had low levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In a different study, a group in Austria treated children who had autism and bad behavior with 1.5 grams per day of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, and found that the bad behavior decreased. The author also describes other studies that show how omega 3 fatty acids help with other health problems such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia, and dyslexia. He concludes by suggesting that other supplements (astaxanthin, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10) may also work with omega-3 fatty acids to help the brain.

Scientific Abstract