Randomized Controlled Trial of Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acid Supplementation to Reduce Inflammatory Markers in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

J Autism Dev Disord. 2022 Dec;52(12):5342-5355. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05396-9. Epub 2022 Jan 11.

Abstract

This double-blind, randomized controlled trial, tested fatty acid (FA) supplementation in children (ages 2- < 6 years) recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants received daily oral FA supplement containing omega-3 and omega-6 FA, or a placebo for 90 days based on participant weight. Erythrocyte FAs and the cytokines, IL-1β, IL-2, IFNγ, were measured in plasma obtained from serial blood collections. Treatment increased omega-3 and omega-6 FA levels (1.40 mol% for EPA and 1.62 mol% for DHA) and reduced IL-2 levels compared to placebo (- 0.17 pg/mL, 95% CI - 0.31, - 0.02, d = - 0.62). Omega 3-6 treatment was tolerable and adherence was greater than 70%. Future research will assess the effects of Omega 3-6 treatment on ASD symptoms. Registered on 06/08/2018 with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03550209.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; IL-2; Inflammation; Omega-3 fatty acids; Omega-6 fatty acids; Young child.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / drug therapy
  • Biomarkers
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3* / therapeutic use
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-6* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-6
  • Interleukin-2

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03550209