Population studied: 41 children aged 8-17 yrs, diagnosed with ASD
Dosage & Duration They took Efalex liquid for 12 weeks
Measures used Social Responsiveness Scale, Problems sub-scale of the CBC, Blood fatty acid analysis.
Method:
Results: The ASD group scored significantly higher on Social Problems and Attention Problems but significantly lower on Anxious/Depressed and Somatic Complaints than the ANX group. The groups did not show significant differences on Withdrawn/Depressed and Thought Problems. Both the CBCL and TRF ASD scales were significant predictors of the ASD group, with moderate to high sensitivity and specificity.
Significant improvements in
- All sub-scales of the Social Responsiveness Scale
- Social & Attention Problems sub-scale of the CBC
Response to treatment of core ASD symptoms was significantly correlated with blood fatty acid levels
Baseline levels of blood fatty acid levels were also predictive of response to the omega-3 treatment. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation was well-tolerated and did not cause any serious side effects. Our findings lend some preliminary support for the use of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in addressing ASD.
Reference
Y. P. Ooi, L. Rescorla, M. Sung, D. S. S. Fung, B. Woo, R. P. Ang, Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2014, 6, 46-53. Comparisons between autism spectrum disorders and anxiety disorders: findings from a clinical sample in Singapore.
