Use of omega-3 for improving behavioural outcomes in autism spectrum disorder in children: a review of the literature

Purpose: The global rate of diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing and many parents are turning to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to help with the wide range of symptoms, including behavioural abnormalities. The aim of this review is to examine the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation, a popular CAM therapy for behavioural problems in children with ASD. Methods: The peer-reviewed literature published in the English language between 2007 and April 2015 was systematically searched using www.clinicaltrials.gov (US National Institute of Health database), CINAHL, Google scholar, PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) and Cochrane library databases, using a combination of the search terms Autism, ASD, Omega-3, fish oil, PUFA, EFA, EPA, DHA. Clinical studies examining the effects of omega-3 in ASD were considered. Results: Six studies were found to be relevant to this review (N = 168, ages 2-17). Two of these were open-label studies and four were randomised control trials. Conclusion: There is limited evidence supporting the use of omega-3 supplementation in clinical practice for the treatment of behavioural symptoms in children with ASD. However, some studies do show potential for this treatment option in a limited range of behavioural outcomes. Further studies are required. Keywords: Inappropriate prescribing, benzodiazepines, herbal medicine, Passiflora incarnata, passionflower, ageing population, patient-centred, shared decision making