Fish oil may help fight autism

ALAN MacDERMID

NUTRITIONAL supplements based on fish oils may alleviate some of the symptoms and behavioural problems associated with autism, a leading biochemist said yesterday.

Gordon Bell said he had found that two-thirds of children with autistic spectrum disorders showed signs of fatty acid deficiency. He will present his findings, based on studies he conducted at Stirling University, at a conference next week.

Dr Bell, himself the father of an autistic child, is urging parents of children with autistic spectrum symptoms to review their children's nutritional status.

One of a number of researchers presenting at a major conference next week in London on tests and treatments for autism, Dr Bell believes fatty acid deficiency may be responsible for some of the behaviour and symptoms associated with autism.

He has been recommending that parents supplement their children's diets with fish oils rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), with gamma linoleic acid (GLA) and the antioxidant vitamin E. Recent research found that EPA is crucial for the second-to-second function of the brain and eye.

"In children taking supplements daily, parents have reported less aggression, hyperactivity and improvements in sleep disturbance, which can be a major problem in autism," said Dr Bell.

"In some instances, there have been improvements in speech and basic behaviour as well as the ability of the child to concentrate and attend what is going on."

A small sample of red blood cells analysed by Dr Bell suggested patients with autism spectrum disorders had abnormal fatty acid metabolism, resulting in the apparent essential fatty acid deficiency. He plans a larger study to confirm the findings.

He suggests parents should be alert to this and consider supplementation if they observe the following signs of fatty acid deficiency, which may also be a key factor in dyslexia, dyspraxia, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - excessive thirst; frequent urination; dry skin; dry hair; soft or brittle nails; dandruff; and rough, dry, bumpy skin, particularly on the upper arms or legs.

Autistic spectrum disorders are now thought to affect 60 children in every 10,000, an estimate that has grown fourfold in the past 20 years. This is thought to be due at least in part to more frequent diagnosis.

-May 9th