Non-specific effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on autistic spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis
- Forfatter(e)
- de Andrade Wobido, K. de Sa Barreto da Cunha, M. Miranda, S. S. da Mota Santana, J. da Silva, D. C. G. Pereira, M.
- År
- 2021
- Tidsskrift
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Sider
- 1-13
- Kategori(er)
- Autismespekter
- Tiltakstype(r)
- Kosttilskudd og ernæring
- Abstract
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.