What is it?
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are compounds that cannot be made by the body, but are required for many crucial biochemical processes. There are two groups of EFAs: omega-6 and omega-3. The relative levels of these two groups of EFAs are critical to the health and development of the brain and the body. If the level of omega-6 is much higher than the level of omega-3 in the diet, there can be negative effects on cognition, mood, and behavior (1-4).
The ideal ratio between these EFAs has been estimated at 2.3:1 omega-6 to 1 omega-3 (5). Most American diets provide too many omega-6 EFAs and not enough omega-3 EFAs, giving a ratio estimated at between 10:1 and 20:1 omega-6 to 1 omega-3 (2-5).
Grains, processed foods, meat, milk, eggs, and corn oil all contain omega-6 EFAs (3, 4); olive oil and walnuts contain high levels of omega-3 EFAs (3). Eggs contain omega-6 and omega-3 EFAs, and eggs labeled omega-3 eggs are from chickens fed a special diet to increase omega-3 concentrations in the eggs. However, the best sources of omega-3 EFAs come from fatty fish such as cod, halibut, mackerel, herring, trout, sardines, and salmon (2-5).
What's it like?
Omega-3 EFAs can be added to a child’s diet with a fish oil supplement purchased over-the-counter or online at a grocery, drug, or health-food store. The supplement can be taken one or more times every day. Children may find swallowing fish oil capsules difficult; several flavored chewable or custard-like options are available (see Resources). Alternatively, adult-sized gel caps can be squeezed into a small child's mouth or "popped" by an older child.
The recommended dosage of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for all ages is at least 650 mg/day total (or 0.65 grams/day). Medical supervision is recommended for daily intakes above 3 grams (5, 6). There has been no research on the optimal dose for children with autism. Research on other disorders shows that the best dose of EFAs depends on the disorder, but seems to range from 1 to 2 grams per day (6, 7). Research on using EFA supplementation to treat autism and related disorders have used doses of omega-3 EFAs at 540 to 2,320 mg per day (0.5-2.3 grams/day) (8-11). If you choose omega-3 EFA supplements as an alternative therapy, ask your child's pediatrician what dose is appropriate for your child (see Is It Harmful?).
The best source of omega-3 oils for vegan and vegetarian families are flaxseed oils and several types of algae, but the EFAs from these sources are not as useful for the body as those in fish oils (3).
What is the theory behind it?
Some scientists have proposed that autism, dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyspraxia are a related group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are caused by problems in the metabolism of EFAs (3, 12, 13). The idea is that, for unknown reasons, the brains and bodies of individuals with autism and related disorders have problems converting the EFAs from foods into the forms that are necessary for many biochemical reactions (7). In addition, omega-3 fatty acids seem to be lower in individuals with autism than in others (9, 14).
Both of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA have been found to affect many aspects brain function (1, 3). Specifically, changing the amount of DHA and EPA in the diet alters the amounts of certain critical genes in the brain, at least in rats (15). In addition, one study found that giving animals a diet with a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 EFAs of about 1:4 improved experimental measures of cognition in the animals (1). Finally, mood and behavior problems in humans have been linked to a lack of omega-3 EFAs in the diet (2 , 3 , 12 ).
Does it work?
Currently there are only a few studies of the effectiveness of EFA supplementation as a treatment for autism (3, 4, 6, 12, 13, 16). For example, most of the parents of eighteen children with autism who had been given fish oil supplements (Eye-Q at 4-8 capsules/day giving 0.6 to 1.2 grams/day of EPA and DHA, or Kirunal at 5 to 10 capsules/day giving 1.2 to 2.3 grams/day of EPA and DHA) for six months described improvements in overall health, cognition, sleep patterns, social interactions and eye contact (9). Unfortunately, this was not a double-blind study, meaning that it was not certain that this was not just a placebo effect. In another case report, a child diagnosed with autism who had been given 540 mg of the omega-3 fatty acid EPA per day over a four week period experienced a complete elimination of his previous anxiety about everyday events as reported by his parents and clinician. They also described an improvement in his overall quality of life (8).
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 117 children with dyspraxia, a motor disorder frequently associated with cognitive, behavioral and social challenges (12), received fish and evening primrose oil (a source of omega-3 fatty acids) during treatment (10). Significant improvements in reading, spelling, and behavior were reported during the treatment period, and these improvements continued as long as the treatment was underway (10).
Recently a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of 13 children with autism (5 to 17 years old) was published (11). This study reported reduced hyperactivity and reduced stereotypy (repeated movements like hand-flapping) in children who received 1.5 gm of fish oil per day, as compared to children who received placebo. Another recent study in Egypt reported improvements in behavior, concentration, motor skills, and language in children with autism who were treated with EFA (16). An open-label study of young adults with autism reported no improvements after 6 weeks of fish oil supplements (17).
Is it harmful?
Studies of EFA supplementation at doses between 540 to 2,320 mg per day (0.5 to 2.3 grams per day) have not reported any significant side effects (8-11). As long as EFAs are less than 10% of the total dietary intake, they are considered safe (18). However, several scientists have noted that fish oil supplements can contain contaminants such as mercury, hormones, dioxins, and PCBs (2, 4, 18). Thus, when purchasing fish oil supplements, you should purchase those that are purified by molecular distillation and are described as pharmaceutical grade.
Cost
The cost of EFA supplementation depends on the quality of the EFAs. A bottle of 90 capsules containing 500 to 700 mg of EPA and DHA can cost anywhere from $7 to $40. Fish oil that has been purified and tested for contaminants is recommended (4), though these supplements can be more expensive.
Resources
Healing Thresholds has partnered with Webvitamins. They have a large selection of top quality vitamins and supplements.
EFA supplements can be purchased at most drug stores and in many online stores.
A book that might be useful:
The UltraMind Solution: Fix Your Broken Brain by Healing Your Body First
References
- Yehuda, S., et al. 1999. "Essential Fatty Acids are Mediators of Brain Biochemistry and Cognitive Functions." J Neurosci.Res 56(6):565-570.
- Ruxton, C.H., et al. 2004. "The Health Benefits of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Review of the Evidence." J Hum.Nutr.Diet. 17(5):449-459.
- Young, G., and J. Conquer. 2005. "Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Neuropsychiatric Disorders." Reprod.Nutr.Dev. 45(1):1-28.
- Genuis, S.J.a.G.K.S. 2006. "Time for an Oil Check: The Role of Essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Maternal and Pediatric Health." Journal of Perinatology 26:359-365.
- Kris-Etherton, P.M., et al. 2000. "Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Food Chain in the United States." Am J Clin Nutr. 71(1 Suppl):179S-188S.
- Richardson, A.J. 2006. "Omega-3 Fatty Acids in ADHD and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders." Int.Rev.Psychiatry 18(2):155-172.
- Tsalamanio, E., et al. 2006. "Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Role in the Prevention and Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders." Current Psychiatry Reviews 2(2):215-234.
- Johnson, S.M., and E. Hollander. 2003. "Evidence that Eicosapentaenoic Acid is Effective in Treating Autism." J Clin Psychiatry 64(7):848-849.
- Bell, J.G., et al. 2004. "Essential Fatty Acids and Phospholipase A2 in Autistic Spectrum Disorders." Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 71(4):201-204.
- Richardson, A.J., and P. Montgomery. 2005. "The Oxford-Durham Study: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Dietary Supplementation with Fatty Acids in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder." Pediatrics 115(5):1360-1366.
- Amminger, G.P., et al. 2007. "Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Children with Autism: A Double-Blind Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study." Biol.Psychiatry 61(4):551-553.
- Richardson, A.J., and M.A. Ross. 2000. "Fatty Acid Metabolism in Neurodevelopmental Disorder: A New Perspective on Associations Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and the Autistic Spectrum." Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 63(1-2):1-9.
- Kidd, P.M. 2007. "Omega-3 DHA and EPA for Cognition, Behavior, and Mood: Clinical Findings and Structural-Functional Synergies with Cell Membrane Phospholipids." Altern Med Rev. 12(3):207-227.
- Vancassel, S., et al. 2001. "Plasma Fatty Acid Levels in Autistic Children." Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 65(1):1-7.
- Kitajka, K., et al. 2004. "Effects of Dietary Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Brain Gene Expression." Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci U.S.A 101(30):10931-10936.
- Meguid, N.A., et al. 2008. "Role of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Management of Egyptian Children with Autism." Clin Biochem. 41(13):1044-1048.
- Politi, P., et al. 2008. "Behavioral Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Young Adults with Severe Autism: An Open Label Study." Arch Med Res. 39(7):682-685.
- Eritsland, J. 2000. "Safety Considerations of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids." Am J Clin Nutr. 71(1 Suppl):197S-201S.
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Please comment on this autism topic.
Best natural form of omega3
Dec 28, 2009 by AnonymousI want to share this information, because my son is taken this product and hi is making a lot of progress...
Sacha Inchi oil naturally contains 45% Omega-3 an award-winning flavor! Oh Mega! Sacha Inchi oil is obtained from cold-pressed Sacha Inchi seeds that grow in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest and it was used to feed one of the most powerful civilizations in history, the Inca Empire.
Today, Oh Mega! Sacha Inchi oil is very popular due to its amazing omega content, especially omega-3 , which our bodies do not produce on their own.
Sacha Inchi contains the highest omega-3 concentration of any food on the planet.
Award-winning for its taste alone, sacha inchi oil is making a major breakthrough in the US for health and nutrition – especially as a completely natural, organic replacement for fish oil and other omega-3 supplements.
High unsaturated fatty acids content *Low level of saturated fatty acids *Vitamins A and E *Balanced Omega composition
Sacha inchi seed is grown wildly in the Peruvian Amazon, it was known by native Peruvians thousands of years ago. The Incas represented sacha inchi seed in their ceramics. This seed is also known as the inca peanut.
Scientific researches have found that Sacha inchi is one of the best oilseeds by its composition and high nutritional profile:
sacha inchi oil has more omega 3 then cod liver oil.
The seeds of Inchi have high protein (27%) and oil (35 - 60%) content. Its oil is one of the largest plant sources of the Omega family of fatty acids, an essential for human life. It contains Omega 3 (48%), Omega 6 (36%), Omega 9 (9%), and protein (27%). They are also rich in iodine and vitamin A and vitamin E.
Modern Uses
Sacha Inchi oil production is increasing in the Peruvian Amazon and is gaining international recognition for its taste and health properties. In June 2007, Sacha Inchi oil won the Médalle D'or (Gold Medal) at the AVPA[1] Specialty Foods Commodities competition. Sacha Inchi has been called a super food because of its high content of essential fatty acids. The oil has a mild flavour, not bitter, with a nutty finish. With new research emphasizing the health benefits of Omega fatty acids, interest in sustainable sources of Omega is increasing. Sacha Inchi oil is used in vegetarian diets to provide a plant source for Omega-3 fatty acids.
Humanitarian group Oxfam and a group called SEPAR are collaborating to develop techniques for growing Sacha Inchi. Used as a cash crop, Sacha Inchi is bringing money to rural areas and allowing indigenous groups like the Ashaninka to stay in villages.[
Nutrition and Essential Fatty Acids May Help Verbal Apraxia and Autism
Dec 2, 2009 by AnonymousCan nutrition help verbal skills in children with autism? A study reported the August 2009 issue of Alternative Therapies says yes, for some children. Combined vitamin E and omega 3 therapy may help a type of verbal apraxia (a type of speech problem) that may be linked to food allergies and nutritional problems.
Children with verbal apraxia have trouble pronouncing words and may have severe speech problems. Many scientists have thought that verbal apraxia is a brain disorder. This study suggests that verbal apraxia may also be related to metabolism differences and nutritional problems.
Metabolism is the process of making energy from food. Metabolism is a complex system of enzymes, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that work together to digest food and turn it into energy that the body can use. People likely have a wide range of metabolic differences. Some of those differences can be quite large for some individuals. In this study, they suggest that some children with autism may have metabolism differences that affect how they process foods, and how their brain works.
What did the study show? This study tested 187 children with verbal apraxia, and many of them also had autism. All of the children took 400-3,000 International Units of vitamin E daily. They also took 1-3 grams of polyunsaturated fats (including omega 3 fatty acids) per day.
Almost all of the families (97%) reported improvements in speech, imitation, coordination, eye contact, and other skills with vitamin E and omega-3 therapy. There were few side effects reported during the length of the study.
The authors also described blood test results for nutritional information about 26 of the children. They reported low carnitine levels, high anti-gluten antibodies (suggesting a gluten allergy), low vitamin D levels, and fat absorption problems in most of the children they tested. They described how nutrition and metabolism might be different in some children with autism.
What do these results mean for children with verbal apraxia and autism? The results are exciting because 97% of the children showed improvements, and there were few side effects. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? But it’s not quite as perfect as it sounds.
There are some major limitations of this study. First of all, the researchers asked parents to give their subjective opinion of improvements. The parents knew they were in a study. Although they were given specific improvements to look for, there is a possibility of bias in favor of reporting a good result.
Secondly, they did not use placebo controls. All of the parents and children knew they were getting the supplements. There is the possibility of the “placebo effect” which is when people taking placebo (“sugar pills”) report feeling better or actually show improvements. Many think it is the power of the mind/body connection that somehow influences how they feel or even how their body physically responds. There is scientific evidence for brain connections to the immune and endocrine systems to support these observations. It is possible that, in this study, the children and/or parents were hopeful that the supplements would work, and that influenced the outcome. There was a placebo effect observed in a recent study of citalopram and autism in children.
Third, the supplements may be helpful for only a subset of children with verbal apraxia. The researchers chose children with verbal apraxia who also had metabolism differences….
What is the bottom line for omega-3 and vitamin E from this study? In spite of the shortcomings of this study, the results are very promising. Children with verbal apraxia may benefit from vitamin E and omega-3 supplements, which may get their metabolism on a better track. And researchers will continue to explore the nutrition/metabolism link with brain function. Good nutrition is likely to be important for many brain functions, not just verbal apraxia.
Any suggestions
Aug 31, 2008 by AnonymousMy son is 9 y/o & in 4th grade in public school. He is in mainstream class with spec ed 1hr/day, specch 30 min/wk, & OT 30 min/wk. We take him to a behaviorist regularly, he is on meds for tx of symptoms. I have heard of others using fish oil & other supplements. Do these work? Also, we feel at a loss of what to do further to help him. He still has a lot of social & behavioral issues. Thanks, Niki
Essential Fatty Acids
Sep 24, 2006 by AnonymousEssential Fatty Acids
I could go on and on about essential fatty acids (EFAs). They are important. They are found in breast milk. Only recently are they being put in formula and only in the more expensive lipil formula. They are similar to the cod liver oil that our parents may have given us. There are plant sources of EFAs (i.e. flax) and animal sources (i.e. fish). Animal sources appear to be better absorbed and more effective than plant sources. There is a good and well thought out article on EFA's that can be found at PWS Playroom (http://www.pwsplayroom.com/efa.htm ).
These unsaturated fatty acids are easily used by your body to form the brain and the lipid layer around cells. Saturated fats (like butter) compete with unsaturated fats. There is some talk that ingestion of EFAs contributes to brain formation and intelligence. Have you heard about breast fed babies being smarter? If it is true, it is likely due to EFAs. Have you heard of fish being brain food? If this is true it is likely due to EFA's.
Check out the Cherab Foundation on EFAs (http://www.cherab.org/information/dietaryeffects/efabasics.html ). There is a lot of anecdotal evidence about fatty acids and language development. I found this story persuasive.
Finally, there is the role of these EFA's in metabolism. I haven't seen much discussion about this. I would welcome anyone's opinion as this is a stretch for me. But, there are a group of receptors called PPAR. They bind fatty acids and they are involved in numerous diseases including diabetes. Saturated fatty acids appear to bind them and initiate an inflammatory response that can have many bad downstream effects, such as heart disease. Unsaturated fatty acids compete for these receptors and have an anti-inflammatory effect. I am mulling this over...
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Sources
Nordic Naturals ProEFA. It can be found on http://www.speechville.com. You can order through the speechville site -- I know Kirkman labs and http://www.omega-direct.com handle this type. Other parents use the Natural Factors Rich Old Bend for Kid.
I have now switched to the Ultimate Omega formula. I am not convinced that we need more Omega-6's (present in the ProEFA blend) and would rather just supplement with the Omega-3's.
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Working them into your Diet
There is an interesting book called the Omega Diet that talks about oils. In my opinion, the book is a bit extreme, but makes really good points. I think that a diet high in flax oils and fish oils is good for most everyone.
I think that if you get into the groove it won't be so hard to incorporate. Maybe it will "work" and maybe it won't but probably you will all be healthier. There are many places to work in flax oil. There is a type of yummy bread made by Natural Ovens that has high levels of flax oils. They also make great (but expensive) snack bars. Plus, there are great frozen waffles with flax oil.
Fish can be eaten for fish oil and fish oil is pretty easy to take in capsule form. My whole family takes it. We call it "smart medicine."
The Omega Diet also mentions walnut oil and canola oil. I make my own salad dressings (oil and vinegar and spice) and switched from olive oil to walnut oil. It was pretty easy and tasty. I don't really bake, but keep thinking that bran muffins or banana nut bread made with walnut oil would probably be pretty tasty.
I am also a big honey person. When my kids want something sweet, I give them a teaspoonful of honey. They like it. Local honey is best if you can get it.
Also, this year we made the switch from regular potatoes to sweet potatoes. I am not sure what your guy would say about sweet potatoes, but they suit us well. It seems that you could do most anything with them that you could with real potatoes. Plus, they have the added benefit that you can add walnuts (and walnut oil??) and cinnamon and honey to them and call them dessert. :)
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Research
Nutr Health. 2004;18(1):3-27. Related Articles, Links
From superior adaptation and function to brain dysfunction--the neglect of epigenetic factors.
Saugstad LF.
Oslo Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, Institute for Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway.
With optimal pregnancy conditions (natural, enriched diet which includes fish) African (Digo) infants are 3-4 weeks ahead of European/American infants in sensorimotor terms at birth, and during the first year. Infants of semi-aquatic sea-gypsies swim before they walk, and have superior visual acuity compared with us. With adverse pregnancy behaviour (fear of fat, a trend to dieting), neglecting the need for brain fat to secure normal brain development and function, we run a risk of dysfunction--death. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome victims have depressed birth weight, lower levels of marine fat in brainstem than controls, and >80 suffer multiple hypoxic episodes prior to death. Depressed birth weight (more than 10% below mean) is seen in learning and behaviour disorders, and a trend towards weights of less than 3kg is increasing, which supports a rise in antenatal sub optimality. Given marine fat deficiency in pregnancy and infancy, neurons starved for fuel could delay myelination and maturation in the latest developed Frontal Lobes. The phylogenetic oldest Lateral Frontal Lobe System (feed-back mechanism etc.) derived from olfactory bulb-amygdala, which crosses in Anterior Commisure is probably spared, while the Medial Frontal Lobe System derived from Hippocampus-Cingulum and crosses in Corpus Callosum (delayed response task) is most likely affected. The rise in infantile autism (intact vision and hearing) with deficit in delayed response task only, could suggest a deficit in the Medial Frontal Lobe System. The human species is unique; 70% of total energy to the foetus goes to development of the brain, which mainly consists of marine fat. It undergoes pervasive regressive events, before birth, in infancy and at puberty. Minimal retraction of neuronal arborisation is advantageous. Attributable to adverse pregnancy childrearing practice, excessive retraction is likely prenatally and in infancy. Pubertal age affects the fundamental property of nervous tissue, excitability: excessive excitatory drive is seen in early, and a deficiency in late puberty. It is postulated that with adequate marine fat, there is probably no risk of psychopathology at the extremes, whereas a deficiency could lead to paroxysmal (subcortical) dysfunction in early puberty, and breakdown of cortical circuitry and cognitive dysfunctions in late puberty. The post-pubertal psychoses, schizophrenia and manic-depressive psychosis at the extremes of the pubertal age continuum, with contrasting excitability and biological treatment, are probably the result of continuous dietary deficiency, which has inactivated the expression of genes for myelin development and oligodendrocyte-related genes in their production of myelin. The beneficial effect of marine fat in both disorders, in other CNS disorders as well as in developmental dyslexia (DD) and ADHD among others, supports our usual diet is persistently deficient. We have neglected the similarity of our great brain to other mammals, and our marine heritage. Given the amount of marine fat needed to secure normal brain development and function is not known, nor the present dietary level, it seems unduly conjectural to postulate that a dietary deficiency in marine fat is causing brain dysfunction and death. However, all observations point in the same direction: our diet focusing on protein mainly, is deficient, the deficiency is most pronounced in maternal nutrition and in infancy.
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