Research published in Biological Psychiatry (February 15, 2007;61(4):551–553) examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in 13 children with autism and significant hyperactivity. The children, ages 5 to 17, exhibited severe behavioral symptoms, including tantrums, self-injury, and aggression.
In this six-week, placebo-controlled pilot study, participants received docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 700 mg/day) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 840 mg/day). Compared with placebo, omega-3 supplementation resulted in significant improvement in hyperactivity, with no reported adverse effects. The authors concluded that the findings provide preliminary evidence supporting omega-3 fatty acids as a potentially beneficial intervention for hyperactivity in children with autism.
Growing research suggests that essential fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances may play a role in neurodevelopmental disorders, making omega-3 status an important area for further investigation.
