Research summaries for autism therapy: omega-3

definition of omega-3: Essential fatty acid that is found in fish and other foods, and is critical for brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids are deficient or lacking in most American diets. Many nutrionists recommend a ratio of 4:1 omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids. Most American diets have a ratio of about 15 to 1.
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May the Best Friend be an Enemy if not Recognized Early: Possible Role of Omega-3 Against Cardiovascular Abnormalities Due to Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Autism, Summarized May 18, 2010

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death in patients with autism who are prescribed atypical antipsychotics.

This paper describes the logic behind using omega-3 fatty acids to protect the hearts of children given brain drugs (atypical antipsychotics). Atypical antipsychotics may cause sudden death by causing the heart to stop beating. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to protect people from heart disease. The authors note that, in many cases, children with autism have only low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. They believe that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help children with autism in many ways and may help to protect the heart of children giving atypical antipsychotics.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Summarized Apr 6, 2010

There is currently not enough scientific evidence to determine if omega-3 fatty acids are safe and effective as a treatment for autism.

Omega-3 fatty acids are often used as a treatment for autism. This article reviews all published studies on the treatment effects of omega-3 fatty acids in children with autism. While there are no concrete studies that show that omega-3 fatty acids help with autism, the supplement appears to be safe. The studies that have been done so far raise hope that omega -3 fatty acids may help with autism and these studies should be followed with more research. The authors suggest that patients discuss the use of omega-3 fatty acids with their doctors before starting to use them.

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Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine: Fish Oils and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Summarized Mar 23, 2010

Fish oil therapy may help learning and behavior in some children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.

This review describes the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the course and outcome of problems with the brain. The authors note that studies have been mixed as to whether or not children with autism have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. There have been only a few studies that have looked at the use of omega-3 fatty acids as treatment for autism and these studies have been small and lasted only a short amount of time. Omega-3 fatty acids have a good safety profile, but they may cause nausea, nose bleeds, and a fishy burp. Read more...

Omega 3 Fatty Acid Treatment in Autism, Summarized Mar 18, 2010

Omega 3 fatty acids appear to be safe and helpful for children with autism.

This open study looked at the effect of omega 3 fatty acids on ten children with autism. The children were given 1 gram of omega 3 fatty acids (180 mg DHA and 380 mg of EPA) for 12 weeks. The children were tested for symptoms of autism by a board-certified child psychiatrist upon entrance to the study, at 6 weeks, and at 12 weeks. The children were examined using three tests for symptoms of autism. The symptoms of autism improved in most of the children after 6 weeks of omega 3 fatty acid therapy.

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Synonyms for omega-3 include: omega 3, omega 3 fatty acids, omega three, omega-3 fatty acids
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