Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Autism

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 1

Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily found in fish oil, have been investigated as a potential supplement for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The interest in omega-3s stems from their crucial role in brain development and function, as well as their anti-inflammatory properties. Some early observational studies and small clinical trials suggested that children with autism might have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood, and open-label studies hinted at possible improvements in hyperactivity, social skills, and communication with supplementation.

However, larger, well-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have not consistently shown significant benefits. A 2011 Cochrane review and subsequent meta-analyses have concluded that evidence for omega-3 supplementation improving core symptoms of autism is weak or inconclusive. Most studies report minimal or no improvement in social interaction, communication, or repetitive behaviors compared to placebo. Some parents and practitioners continue to use omega-3 supplements for behavioral symptoms, but the scientific support for this practice is minimal. Safety profiles are generally favorable, but routine use is not currently recommended by major autism guidelines due to the lack of strong evidence.

In summary, while the use of omega-3s for autism has a scientific rationale and has been studied, robust clinical evidence for its effectiveness is lacking, and its use is best described as experimental.

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Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
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Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
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Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
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Polyps
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Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
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Rosacea
Schizophrenia
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Spinal Disks
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Triglycerides (high)
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