Role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of Egyptian children with autism

Improving the Prediction of Response to Therapy in Autism

“…26 Consequently, some authors have theorized that abnormal levels of specific free fatty acids may be involved in the pathogenesis or symptom burden of ASD. Three prior studies have reported low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in children with ASD compared to controls, [27][28][29] whereas two found no difference. 26,30 Thus far, there have been few consistent findings among prior studies to suggest a particular fatty acid deficiency.…”

“…If omega-3 fatty acids have a true beneficial effect on hyperactivity, it is also possible that this effect might be mediated through a change in the fatty acid levels in plasma or tissue. Three prior studies have reported low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in children with ASD compared to controls, [27][28][29] while two found no difference. 26,30 To expand on the early evidence suggesting a possible beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids in children with ASD, we conducted a larger randomized controlled trial of 27 children who were randomly assigned to twelve weeks of treatment with omega-3 fatty acids or an identical placebo.…”

Complementary Medicine Products Used in Autism - Evidence for Rationale

“…Significantly lower levels of nutrients in blood, hair, and other tissues have been seen in autistic children including low levels of magnesium (Strambi et al 2006), iron (Latif et al 2002), zinc (Yorbik et al 2004), vitamins A, C and E, (Ming et al 2005) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (Vancassel et al 2001;Bell et al 2004;Meguid et al 2008). Further, medications prescribed for children with autism may have nutrition related adverse effects and restrictive diets that are frequently implemented in autism may compromise nutritional intake.…”

Complementary Medicine Products Used in Autism - Evidence for Efficacy and Safety

“…In another uncontrolled study, a ''few parents'' reported ''increased hyperactivity and behavioral problems'' (Bell et al 2004). Two uncontrolled studies (Meguid et al 2008;Politi et al 2008) and a case report (Johnson&Hollander 2003) did not discuss whether adverse events were assessed. Meiri et al (2009) conducted an open study where 9 children with autism received a 12 week course of PUFAs and no adverse effects were reported.…”

“…They also found there were nonsignificant improvements after 12 weeks in hyperactivity, as measured by the ABC. The remaining five studies, four uncontrolled trials in children and one case report were small (n = 30, 22, 19, 9, and 1) with four (Johnson&Hollander 2003;Bell et al 2004;Patrick&Salik 2006;Meguid et al 2008) reporting improvements in a wide range of outcomes including language and learning skills, parental observations of general health and behaviour, a clinician administered symptom scale, and clinical observations of anxiety. In contrast one uncontrolled trial in young adults with severe autism did not show a benefit (Politi et al 2008).…”