A randomized, placebo controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of young children with autism.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting more than 1% of children. It is characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors/restricted interests. In the absence of any medications known to improve core symptom domains, parents often use complementary alternative treatments, including omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Methods

We conducted a 6-month, randomized, placebo controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acid supplements (1.5 g) vs placebo in children 2 to 5 years of age with ASD. Primary outcome measures included the autism composite score of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Behavioral Inventory (PDDBI) and the externalizing problems score of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2). Secondary outc

SUBMITTER: Mankad D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4367852 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature