How Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Affect Cognition and Behavior in Children with Autism?

What you need to know

• Higher levels of certain omega-3 fatty acids in the blood were associated with better cognitive abilities in children with autism spectrum disorders
• Higher omega-3 levels were linked to fewer behavioral problems like hyperactivity and inattention
• Omega-6 fatty acids showed the opposite pattern - higher levels were associated with more behavioral issues
• The findings suggest ensuring adequate omega-3 intake may be beneficial for children with autism, but more research is needed

Background on autism and fatty acids

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are developmental conditions characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. While there is no cure, various therapies and interventions can help manage symptoms.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important components of cell membranes in the brain and play key roles in brain development and function. Some previous studies have found differences in fatty acid levels between individuals with and without autism, but results have been inconsistent.

This study aimed to examine fatty acid levels in children with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome and investigate potential relationships with cognitive abilities and behavior.

Study design and participants

The researchers recruited 44 children diagnosed with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome and 17 of their non-autistic siblings to serve as a comparison group. All participants were from Poland.

The children’s cognitive abilities were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-R). Their behavior was evaluated using the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale, which measures symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and oppositional behavior.

Blood samples were taken from all participants to measure levels of various fatty acids in their blood plasma and red blood cells.

Key findings on fatty acid levels

The children with autism had some differences in their fatty acid profiles compared to their non-autistic siblings:

• Higher levels of saturated fatty acids
• Lower levels of some omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
• Lower levels of some omega-6 fatty acids

These differences were seen across multiple types of blood lipids that were analyzed.

Relationships between fatty acids and cognition

The researchers found several interesting correlations between fatty acid levels and cognitive abilities in the children with autism:

• Higher levels of DPA (docosapentaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid, were associated with higher verbal IQ, performance IQ, and full-scale IQ scores.

• This positive relationship was seen for DPA levels in both plasma and red blood cells.

• Surprisingly, DHA levels did not show significant correlations with IQ scores, even though DHA is known to be important for brain function.

• Some omega-6 fatty acids showed negative correlations with IQ scores.

These findings suggest that having higher levels of certain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DPA, may be beneficial for cognitive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorders. However, it’s important to note that this study only shows correlation, not causation.

Relationships between fatty acids and behavior

The study also found links between fatty acid levels and behavioral symptoms:

• Higher levels of EPA and DHA were associated with lower scores on measures of ADHD symptoms, inattention, and oppositional behavior.

• In contrast, higher levels of some omega-6 fatty acids were associated with higher scores on these behavioral problem measures.

• These relationships were seen for fatty acid levels in both plasma and red blood cells.

This pattern suggests that having higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with fewer behavioral issues in children with autism, while higher omega-6 levels may be linked to more behavioral problems.

What do these findings mean?

This study provides evidence that the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may play a role in cognitive functioning and behavior for children with autism spectrum disorders. The findings are consistent with some previous research showing potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for brain health and function.

However, it’s crucial to understand that this study only shows correlations - it doesn’t prove that changing fatty acid levels would cause changes in cognition or behavior. Many other factors could be involved.

Additionally, this was a relatively small study of a specific group of children (Polish children with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome). The results may not apply to all children with autism or to other populations.

Practical implications

While more research is needed, these findings suggest that ensuring adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorders. Good dietary sources of omega-3s include:

• Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines
• Walnuts
• Flaxseeds and chia seeds
• Algae and seaweed

However, parents should always consult with their child’s healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes or starting any supplements.

Future research directions

This study opens up several avenues for future research:

• Larger studies with more diverse groups of children with autism to see if the results are consistent
• Studies that follow children over time to see how changes in fatty acid levels relate to changes in cognition and behavior
• Intervention studies to test whether increasing omega-3 intake actually improves outcomes for children with autism
• Research to understand the biological mechanisms by which fatty acids might influence brain function in autism

Conclusions

• This study found intriguing links between omega-3 fatty acid levels, cognitive abilities, and behavior in children with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome.
• Higher levels of certain omega-3s, particularly DPA, were associated with better cognitive performance and fewer behavioral issues.
• While promising, these results are preliminary and more research is needed to understand the relationship between fatty acids and autism.
• Ensuring adequate omega-3 intake may be beneficial for children with autism, but dietary changes should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.