Omega-3 supplementation in autistic adults
Researchers from the University of Pavia in Italy report the results from a small study.
First, the details.
- 19 young adults with severe autism (Childhood Autism Rating Scale greater than 40) participated.
- They received 2 fish oil capsules per day (0.93 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] plus 5 mg of vitamin E) for 6 weeks.
And, the results.
- The severity and frequency of problematic behaviors didn’t change during treatment or for 6 weeks after treatment.
- No effect on the number of episodes and severity of behavior aberrations was observed.
The bottom line?
It’s a very small study, with no comparison group.
An earlier small study in 13 children was also negative.
It’s time to move on from preliminary studies.
9/2/08 22:35 JR