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document
Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in children with autism : a double-blind randomized , placebo-controlled pilot study . BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances may contribute to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders . METHODS We conducted a randomized , double-blind , placebo-controlled 6-week pilot trial investigating the effects of 1.5 g/d of omega-3 fatty acids ( .84 g/d eicosapentaenoic acid , .7 g/d docosahexaenoic acid ) supplementation in 13 children ( aged 5 to 17 years ) with autistic disorders accompanied by severe tantrums , aggression , or self-injurious behavior . The outcome measure was the Aberrant Behavior Checklist ( ABC ) at 6 weeks . RESULTS We observed an advantage of omega-3 fatty acids compared with placebo for hyperactivity and stereotypy , each with a large effect size . Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated a trend toward superiority of omega-3 fatty acids over placebo for hyperactivity . No clinically relevant adverse effects were elicited in either group . CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for children with autism .
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Intervention_Pharmacological
Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation
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Intervention_Control
placebo-controlled
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Intervention_Pharmacological
1.5 g/d of omega-3 fatty acids ( .84 g/d eicosapentaenoic acid
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Intervention_Pharmacological
.7 g/d docosahexaenoic acid ) supplementation
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Intervention_Pharmacological
omega-3 fatty acids
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Intervention_Pharmacological
placebo
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Intervention_Pharmacological
omega-3 fatty acids
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Intervention_Pharmacological
omega-3 fatty acids
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Outcome_Mental
Aberrant Behavior Checklist ( ABC )
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Outcome_Physical
hyperactivity and stereotypy
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Outcome_Other
hyperactivity
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Outcome_Physical
.
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Outcome_Adverse-effects
adverse effects
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Participant_Condition
autism
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Participant_Condition
neurodevelopmental disorders .
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Participant_Sample-size
13
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Participant_Age
aged 5 to 17 years
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Participant_Condition
severe tantrums , aggression , or self-injurious behavior