title: Omega-3 supplementation in autism spectrum disorders: A still open question?
abstract: One of the most commonly used complementary and alternative practices in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the supplementation of omega-3. We describe the case of a child with ASD who seemed to respond to omega-3 supplementation in a relevant and lasting manner. So far, based on the results of randomized clinical trials, evidence-based medicine negates the effectiveness of omega-3 in ASD children. Nevertheless, considering anecdotal experiences, including that of our patient, and nonrandomized trials, the presence of a subgroup of ASD patients who are really responders to omega-3 cannot be excluded. These responders might not appear when evaluating the omega-3 effects in a sample taken as a whole. Studies that check for the possible presence of this subgroup of ASD individuals responders to omega-3 are necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Annio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Posar
authors.affiliation: Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Visconti
keywords: Autism spectrum disorders; complementary and alternative medicine; essential fatty acids; neurobiology; omega-3