A pilot study published in Biological Psychiatry (February 15, 2007; 61(4):551–553) examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in children with autism.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 13 children diagnosed with autism who also exhibited tantrums and aggressive behavior. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or 1.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily for a period of six weeks.
Behavioral outcomes were assessed using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, a standardized tool commonly used in autism research. Compared with placebo, children receiving omega-3 supplementation showed tendencies toward reduced hyperactivity and stereotypy.
Stereotypy refers to repetitive behaviors or restricted patterns of movement, speech, or activity, which are common features of autism spectrum disorders.
Context
Although the study was small and short-term, the findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may influence certain behavioral features associated with autism. The authors emphasized that the results provide preliminary evidence only, and that larger, longer-term studies are needed to clarify the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in behavioral modulation among children with autism.
Rather than establishing efficacy, this research contributes to a growing body of literature exploring how fatty acid status and neuroinflammatory pathways may be linked with behavioral regulation.
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