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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Chronic Omega-3 Supplementation in Seizure-prone Versus Seizure-resistant Rat Strains: A Cautionary Tale, Summarized Jan 11, 2010

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced impulsive behaviors in one strain of rats, and increased seizures in another strain of rats; some of these behaviors may be found in children with autism or autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Rat strains are rats that are bred to each other so that they all have the same genes. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements were given to two rat strains in this study. One rat strain (Fast rats) has hyperactivity, learning problems, impulsive behaviors, and increased chance of seizures. Another strain (Slow rats) has few seizures and does not have the behavioral problems that the Fast rats have.... Read more...

Syndrome of Allergy, Apraxia, and Malabsorption: Characterization of a Neurodevelopmental Phenotype that Responds to Omega 3 and Vitamin E Supplementation, Summarized Sep 4, 2009

Combined vitamin E and omega 3 therapy may help a type of verbal apraxia (speech problems) that may be caused by food allergies and nutritional problems, and could affect children with autism. Children with verbal apraxia have trouble saying 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 be a result of nutritional problems. This study tested 187 children with verbal apraxia. Many of the children also had autism.... Read more...

Omega-3/Omega-6 Fatty Acids for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Children and Adolescents, Summarized Jul 13, 2009

Omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid supplements may help children with autism and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This article describes a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 75 children and adolescents (8-18 years old) diagnosed with ADHD. Children had ADHD symptoms including poor concentration (attention deficit) and/or hyperactivity. Some of the children had other symptoms in addition to ADHD, including Asperger's and autism-like symptoms. The authors described the autism-like symptoms as deficits in motor control and perception.... Read more...

Immune-Glutamatergic Dysfunction as a Central Mechanism of the Autism Spectrum Disorders, Summarized Mar 10, 2009

Vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin B12, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids may improve symptoms of autism. Autism is a spectrum disease and research has shown that it is likely caused by many genes. This paper describes the idea that autism is caused by a problem with the glutamine chemical in the brain. The authors propose that if glutamine does not work well within the brain, then microglia cells in the brain may become active and secrete many factors that can harm the brain.... Read more...

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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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