Non-specific effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on autistic spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. (2nd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Andrade Wobido, Kelma; de Sá Barreto da Cunha, Marcela; Miranda, Samilly Silva; da Mota Santana, Jerusa; da Silva, Danielle Cristina Guimarães; Pereira, Marcos
• Is Part Of: Nutritional neuroscience. Volume 25:Number 9(2022)
• Page Start: 1995
• Page End: 2007
• Publication Date: 2022-09-02
• Subjects: Essential fatty acids -- autistic spectrum disorder -- supplementation -- systematic review and meta-analysis -- complementary and alternative medicine -- neurobiology -- omega-3; Neuropharmacology -- Periodicals; Diet -- Periodicals; Diet therapy -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 615.78
• DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2021.1913950
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1028-415X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background/objectives: The evidence on the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in the treatment of symptoms of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) remains limited. In this paper, we s ummarize the effects reported in interventional studies that use omega-3 supplementation in children and adolescents with ASD. Methods: We searched seven databases and found 13 eligible controlled trials that use omega-3 supplementation in children and adolescents with ASD. Data extraction: We collected details on study design, intervention time, supplement dosage, and the autism assessment scale. Meta-analyses and subgroup analysis were conducted according to the autism symptoms. Results: Omega-3 and omega-6 supplementation improved ASD symptoms according to the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (standard mean difference - SMD = -0.13; CI 95% = -0.34, -0.02). However, using subgroup analysis, we observed no efficacy in terms of improvements in hyperactivity (SMD = -0.03; CI 95%: -0.43, 0.36), irritability (SMD = -0.18; CI 95%: -0.51, 0.15), stereotypy (SMD = -0.03; CI 95%: -0.43, 0.36), inappropriate speech (SMD = -0.68; CI 95%: -1.49, 0.14), lethargy (SMD = -0.22; CI 95%: -0.58, 0.14), and social function (SMD = -0.71; IC 95%: -1.56, 0.14). W-3 and w-6 supplementation also showed no efficacy according to the Social Responsiveness Scale (SMD = 0.08; CI 95%: -0.23, 0.39). The adverse effects were classified as mild and equally distributed between the placebo and intervention groups. Conclusions: Despite w-3 and w-6 supplementation showing minimal beneficial effects in the treatment of autism, the subgroup analyses indicated that there is a lack of evidence on the beneficial role of w-3 and w-6 in treating ASD. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO number CRD42020146116.