Research summaries for autism therapy: supplements

definition of supplements: Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or fatty acids that can be purchased over-the-counter and taken to add specific nutrients to the diet.
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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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Systematic Review of Pharmacological Treatments in Fragile X Syndrome, Summarized Apr 29, 2010

There is no good evidence to support the use of pharmacological treatments or supplements in people with Fragile X Syndrome in general or those with a diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome and autism.

This article reviews the research on drug therapy for the treatment of symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome. Most of the studies that they reviewed were very small and therefore it was hard for the studies to see an effect from the drug if such an effect did exist. Most of the studies were also poorly designed. The authors noted that a poorly designed folic acid study showed promise that folic acid supplements (10 mg/day) may raise the IQ of young children with Fragile X syndrome. Read more...

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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Sleep Patterns in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Summarized Feb 23, 2010

Behavioral therapy and melatonin may both be helpful children with autism who have sleep problems.

This review article describes the sleep problems that are common in children with autism. The first line treatment in children with autism is to improve sleep hygiene. After that, behavioral treatment such as teaching new sleep behavior in small steps may be helpful. While there are no drugs approved for the treatment of sleep problems in children, the supplement melatonin may be helpful. Some scientists believe that melatonin therapy helps because children with autism do not make enough melatonin on their own.

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Synonyms for supplements include: nutritional supplements, supplement
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