Research: Role of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Management of Egyptian Children with Autism

Authored by Meguid, NA, Atta HM, Gouda AS, and Khalil RO in Clinical Biochemistry, Volume 41, Issue 3, p. 1044-1048, (2008).

Article summary (posted Nov 26, 2008):

DHA fish oil and evening primrose oil may improve autistic behaviors in children.

This study was designed to first measure the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in children with autism and then give the children PUFA supplements to see if their behavior improved. The study was done in Egypt. The authors found that children with autism had decreased levels of three types of PUFAs when compared to controls: linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid. These decreased levels were the same as those seen in earlier studies of children with autism. The authors found that PUFA supplements improved behavior, ability to concentrate, motor skills, and language in children with 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, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), evening primrose oil, language, motor, motor skills, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), supplements
Share |