Omega-3 fatty acids in the management of autism spectrum disorders: findings from an open-label pilot study in Singapore

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Aug;69(8):969-71. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2015.28. Epub 2015 Mar 25.

Abstract

The goal of this open-label trial was to examine the efficacy and safety of a 12-week omega-3 fatty acids supplementation among children suffering with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). A total of 41 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years (36 boys, 5 girls; mean age = 11.66, s.d. = 3.05) diagnosed with ASD participated in the study. At post-treatment, participants showed significant improvements on all subscales of the Social Responsiveness Scale (P < 0.01) and the Social and Attention Problems syndrome scales of the Child Behavior Checklist (P < 0.05). Blood fatty acid levels were significantly correlated with changes in the core symptoms of ASD. Baseline levels of blood fatty acid levels were also predictive of response to the omega-3 treatment. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation was well-tolerated and did not cause any serious side effects. Our findings lend some preliminary support for the use of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in addressing ASD. Future randomized controlled trials of omega-3 fatty acids in ASD with blood fatty acid measurements with a larger sample and longer follow-up period is warranted.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / blood
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology
  • Behavior Rating Scale
  • Child
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Fatty Acids / blood
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Singapore
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3