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Exploring the Power of Omega 3?
Research has demonstrated that a daily omega-3 supplementation for children with autism spectrum disorders supports healthy brain functioning and significantly reduces various autism symptoms, such as:
- Improving sleep patterns (early awakenings, difficulties falling asleep)
- Improving cognitive functioning
- Improving concentration and memory skills
- Reducing hyperactivity and tantrums
- Reducing repetitive movements
- Improving social functioning
- Improving motor actions
- Improving eye contact
Omega-3 is particularly important among children diagnosed with autism. These children are usually characteristically “picky eaters,” with a diet frequently consisting of simple carbohydrates and sugars.
What is omega-3?
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids consisting of a hydrocarbon chain. The name “omega-3” originates from the location of the first double bond between the carbon atoms composing the fatty molecule (meaning an unsaturated bond at the end of the lipid chain) located between the third and fourth atoms.
The importance of consuming Omega-3 for our health stems from the proper combination of the fatty acids EPA and DHA. The human brain consists of 60% fat, and DHA is the most abundant fatty acid. The brain requires fatty acids to function, controlling the permeability of cells to various substances. A deficiency in DHA will cause the uncontrolled penetration of unwanted substances, leading to improper communication between brain cells and resulting in violent, antisocial behavior and ADHD.
What are the benefits of supplementing with omega-3 for autism spectrum disorders?
- Improving listening and concentration skills: Supplementing with unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (in the optimal ratio of DHA/EPA from a marine source) increases learning skills and reduces hyperactive behavior by directly influencing the transfer of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine.
- Reducing hyperactivity, dyslexia, and violent behavior: Due to the ability of fatty acids to assist the brain’s nerve cells to “communicate” optimally with one another at the synapses, mental sharpness, memory, and the ability to concentrate for extended periods are greatly improved.
- Improving mood swings and reducing depression: Due to the ability of fatty acids to maintain cell wall flexibility and allow the receptors found on the cell surface to receive and transmit messages, mood swings and episodes of depression are reduced.
- Anti-inflammatory action and assists in treating gastrointestinal infections frequently detected in children with ASD: The combination of DHA and EPA fatty acids reduces arachidonic acid and its derivatives, which contribute to the inflammation processes in the human body, thus reducing inflammation.
- Controlling blood sugar levels: Blood sugar levels directly impact brain function. Controlling blood sugar levels reduces aggravation and hyperactivity.
- Improving visual function and eye contact.
Types of omega-3 fatty acids
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) – is a carboxylic acid and consists of a 20-carbon chain. EPA consists of the building blocks for cell membranes within the body, including the myelin sheath (critical for nerve conduction). EPA is primarily found in animal source food sources such as seaweed, deep-sea fish, and North Sea fish (salmon, tuna, and mackerel). In addition, a small proportion of ALA molecules are converted to EPA via desaturase δ5 and elongase enzymes within the body.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – is a carboxylic acid and consists of a 22-carbon chain. This acid is the most abundant in the brain and consists of the building blocks for cell membranes in the body, including the myelin sheath (critical for nerve conduction). A small proportion of ALA molecules are converted to EPA via desaturase δ5 and elongase enzymes within the body.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) – is a carboxylic acid and consists of an 18-carbon chain. APA is vital for the function and health of the human body and can be obtained only via dietary sources. This acid is primarily found in plant-based sources such as chia seeds, reticulated sage, flax, spinach, canola oil, walnuts, flax seeds, hemp, and canola seed oil.
Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are crucial for the structure of cell membranes made up of phospholipids. The functioning of the phospholipids in the membranes depends on the structure of the fatty acids consumed, influencing the permeability and communication of the cell with its environment. For example, the entry and exit of various substances, the transmission of messages, and the ability of hormones to attach to them.
What is the pharmacological mechanism of action through which omega-3 reduces autism symptoms?
A. Improving the efficiency of dopamine receptors (a neurotransmitter responsible for the feelings of pleasure, improving attention and concentration skills, motor actions, and the ability to focus).
B. Improving the efficiency of serotonin receptors (a neurotransmitter related to improving mood swings, relaxation, and prevention of depression and anxiety attacks).
C. Children diagnosed with ASD tend to have low levels of omega-3 due to excess consumption of omega-6 (found in sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, and other types of food). Excess consumption of omega-6 in the form of arachidonic acid causes the release of pro-inflammatory hormones, which leads to the destruction of myelin and, subsequently, cognitive and neurological problems in the brain. Supplementing with omega-3 will assist in improving the construction of the brain’s cell membranes and the growth of neurons.
D. Omega-3 reduces inflammation, which is commonly detected in children diagnosed with ASD laboratory tests of children diagnosed with ASD. Correctly supplementing with omega-3 is a crucial element in the success of the treatment. It is recommended, among others, to choose omega-3 from a non-plant-based source and adapt the ratio between the omega-3 components (EPA/DHA) to the various influences of omega-3 in relation to which etiologically subgroup the patient belongs.
A lack of essential fatty acids, omega-3, will damage the nervous system and lead to symptoms such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, attention and concentration disorders, hyperactivity, etc.
What is the best omega-3 supplement for autism? Which omega-3 supplement should I take, and how long should I take them?
The best omega-3 supplement for autism is from marine sources (recommended over plant-based sources). Ensure the correct DHA/EPA ratio and that the fatty acids are of the correct dosage for the appropriate period according to the patient’s blood tests. As these fatty acids degrade at warm temperatures, storing them in the refrigerator and taking them with an antioxidant, such as vitamin E, is recommended. Various world health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Heart Association, and the European Food Authority (EFSA), recommend consuming one portion of North Sea fish (such as salmon) at least twice a week or taking an omega-3 (combination of EPA and DHA) food supplement. It is important to note that omega-3 sourced from the ocean is recommended over cod liver oil.
The omega-3 therapeutic dose range varies according to the patient’s condition and requires comprehensive laboratory tests to determine the appropriate dose. For example, a patient will receive 1 gram of omega-3 a day to prevent or treat cardiovascular diseases, whereas treating high blood lipid levels may require 2–4 grams daily. The ratio between EPA and DHA is equally important, as currently, the majority of capsules on the market have a standard ratio of 3:2 in favor of EPA, which may not be the optimal ratio for all patients.
Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids:
There are multiple sources of omega-3 fatty acids, the most common being cold-water fish (deep-sea fish, North Sea fish) such as salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, trout, and sardines.
In addition, omega-3 can be consumed from plant-based foods such as flax oil, almonds, sage, seaweed, and more. Although these foods contain the fatty acid ALA, the significant disadvantage of consuming plant-based omega-3 is the limited conversion of ALA into EPA and DHA fatty acids, typically < 10%.
The role of omega-3 fatty acids:
- Building cell membranes and maintaining their permeability and flexibility
- Assisting in reducing insulin resistance
- Serving as a precursor for eicosanoids
- Providing an energy source for the body
- Assisting in preventing inflammatory processes
- Inhibiting platelet adhesion
- Reducing lipid levels in the blood
- Essential for brain function
- Supporting the nervous system
- Supporting the immune system
How does omega-3 fatty acid deficiency occur?
- A restrained diet focused on the consumption of carbohydrates and sugars
- A diet focused solely on plant-based foods that rely on the conversion of ALA into EPA and DHA fatty acids. Vegetarians typically have lower levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids and may need to supplement their diet.
- Magnesium and zinc deficiencies can impair fatty acid metabolism and lead to a deficiency.
References
References are provided for educational context only and should not be interpreted as clinical guidelines.,