Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in children with autism: a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.
BACKGROUND
There is increasing evidence that fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances may contribute to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders.


METHODS
We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 6-week pilot trial investigating the effects of 1.5 g/d of omega-3 fatty acids (.84 g/d eicosapentaenoic acid, .7 g/d docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation in 13 children (aged 5 to 17 years) with autistic disorders accompanied by severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior. The outcome measure was the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) at 6 weeks.


RESULTS
We observed an advantage of omega-3 fatty acids compared with placebo for hyperactivity and stereotypy, each with a large effect size. Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated a trend toward superiority of omega-3 fatty acids over placebo for hyperactivity. No clinically relevant adverse effects were elicited in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for children with autism.
Amminger
G Paul
GP
Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. paul.amminger@meduniwien.ac.at
Berger
Gregor E
GE
Schäfer
Miriam R
MR
Klier
Claudia
C
Friedrich
Max H
MH
Feucht
Martha
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3