By Catherine Ebeling, RN, BSN
Autism rates in industrialized countries have risen dramatically in the last decade, and more research is being conducted looking more at the effects of diet and nutrition (both prenatal and post natal) on behavior.
Much has been written about the gluten-free/casein-free diet for autism, and this diet has a lot of merit and many have seen noticeable improvement using it. New studies are now looking more at the positive effects of fatty acids—primarily omega 3 fatty acids--on the brain and behavior, and specifically, autism. As previous studies have shown, the effects of omega 3 fatty acids on dementia, aggressive behavior, and ADHD have been very beneficial and have brought about marked improvements in these conditions. Now new research shows that there is increasing evidence that fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances may help autism behaviors.
In Scotland, where autism rates have risen at the same steep incline as in the U.S., researchers have conducted studies with omega 3 fatty acids. They made an exciting breakthrough: Childhood autism may be associated with a deficiency of fatty acids, primarily omega 3 fats.
According to a study of autistic children, cell membranes in the blood of autistic children processed fatty acids at a much faster rate than other children. Brain cell membranes are largely made up of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Based on their discovery, researchers speculate fatty acid deficiency may be a partial trigger for autism. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to be very important in normal brain development and capability. These particular fatty acids are recognized as essential fatty acids that are vital to our health, but cannot be produced by the body.
These essential fatty acids appear to be particularly important for cognitive and behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision difficulties, nerve problems, behavior problems, and ADHD.
Low levels of essential fatty acids in the general population are associated with a wide range of psychological disorders, including depression, post-partum depression, PMS bipolar (manic/depression) and Rett’s syndrome. Other less severe symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include: extreme tiredness, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings, and poor circulation.
Aggressive behaviors often associated with autism, and are theorized to have a relationship with omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have also found that children with autism have lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids than do typical children. In other research studies it’s been established that the use of essential fatty acids in children with autism significantly increases language and learning skills.
Since aggressive behavior often accompanies autism, omega- 3 fatty acids may be helpful in treating such behavioral difficulties. Another study showed that the use of fish oil supplements in children with autism increased red blood cell levels of omega-3 fatty acids while reducing omega-6s. These changes were accompanied by improvements in general health, cognitive skills, and sociability, as well as reductions in irritability, aggression, and hyperactivity, according to parental reports. Among children with developmental coordination disorder, which is common among people with autism, omega-3 supplementation improved reading, spelling and disruptive behaviors.
Scientific evidence suggests that imbalances or deficiencies of certain highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) may contribute to a range of behavioral and learning difficulties including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autistic spectrum disorders. This could help to explain the strong familial associations between these conditions and their common overlap within the same individuals.
Omega-3 fatty acids--also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development.
There are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by the body: alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Two of the major omega 3 fatty acids are EPA and DHA. Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA. DHA is critical for early brain development, and EPA is useful for later development, cognition, and behavior.
It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet, as these two substances work together to promote health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation.
The overall benefits suggest that creating a diet heavy in omega 3’s and including grass-fed meats, can lead to the reduction of the negative behaviors associated with autism. Further, there is no apparent harm associated with omega-3 supplementation. As with any form of supplementation, the decision to supplement the diet with more omega 3 fatty acids in children with autism should be made in along with a primary care provider.
Omega 3’s can be found in fatty wild-caught fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, and in grass-fed beef. However, many fish are high in mercury and other toxins, especially the large predators (shark, swordfish, and tuna). One of the best solutions to this diet quandary is the inclusion of grass-fed meats in the diet. Grass-fed meats are high in omega 3 fatty acids, with none of the toxins that many fish may carry. Grass-fed beef, as opposed to grain-fed commercially raised beef, has a similar omega 3 fatty-acid profile as fatty fish, without the danger of toxins such as mercury and PCB’s. Grass-fed meat is a rich source of this healthy fat because the cattle spend their lives eating green forage plants that are naturally rich in omega-3s themselves. Just by eating their natural diet, the cattle absorb these valuable fats and then pass the nutrition on. The result is beef that has nearly 60% more omega-3s than beef from cows that have been raised on a feedlot grain-based diet.
Ongoing research will help to clarify the importance of this vital nutrient and autism. Although deficiencies of omega 3’s are common in dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders, they are certainly not confined to individuals with these conditions. The standard American diet is sadly lacking in omega 3 fatty acids and everyone can benefit by including more omega 3-rich foods in their diet.
Catherine Ebeling is an RN, BSN and certified personal trainer, and has studied nutrition and health for the last 25 years. She has extensive knowledge in the areas of sports nutrition, celiac disease, and omega 3 fatty acids, and currently is a regular contributor to U.S. Wellness Meats bi-weekly newsletter. See www.USWellnessMeats.com for wholesome, organic grass fed meats and other nutritional products.
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