| CASE REPORT |
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| Year : 2016 | Volume
: 11
| Issue : 3 | Page : 225-227 |
Omega-3 supplementation in autism spectrum disorders: A still open question?
Annio Posar1, Paola Visconti2
1 Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
2 Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Correspondence Address:
Annio Posar
Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Via Altura 3, 40139 Bologna
Italy
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/1817-1745.193363
One of the most commonly used complementary and alternative practices in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the supplementation of omega-3. We describe the case of a child with ASD who seemed to respond to omega-3 supplementation in a relevant and lasting manner. So far, based on the results of randomized clinical trials, evidence-based medicine negates the effectiveness of omega-3 in ASD children. Nevertheless, considering anecdotal experiences, including that of our patient, and nonrandomized trials, the presence of a subgroup of ASD patients who are really responders to omega-3 cannot be excluded. These responders might not appear when evaluating the omega-3 effects in a sample taken as a whole. Studies that check for the possible presence of this subgroup of ASD individuals responders to omega-3 are necessary.
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