The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Developmental Psychopathology: A Systematic Review on Early Psychosis, Autism, and ADHD

Agostoni, Carlo; Nobile, Maria; Ciappolino, Valentina; Delvecchio, Giuseppe; Tesei, Alessandra; Turolo, Stefano; Crippa, Alessandro; Mazzocchi, Alessandra; Altamura, Carlo; Brambilla, Paolo

doi:10.3390/ijms18122608

Cited by 99 publications

(82 citation statements)

References 102 publications

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“…Conversely, Politi et al found no significant clinical improvement after omega-3 8 supplementation in a group of nineteen young adults with severe autism (66). It is worth to note that the limited samples size and heterogeneity in study designs may, at least in part, account for the controversial results observed in different studies (11). A recent randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled trial conducted on children and adolescents with ASD demonstrated that omega-3 supplementation is able to improve the erythrocyte membrane omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, without changing plasma antioxidant status.…”

Section: Discussion Of the Case And Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…Clinical benefits from omega-3 supplementation have been demonstrated in various psychiatric disorders (23,59,60). Several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate whether omega-3 can improve the core symptoms of ASD, with not univocal results (11). Four studies found improvements -although not statistically significant -in some of the ASD symptoms, such as irritability and hyperactivity/stereotypy (61)(62)(63)(64).…”

Section: Discussion Of the Case And Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…in ASD has been extensively reviewed, with a growing interest in nutritional factors (9). Of note, the role of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and vitamin D in development, prevention and treatment of ASD has been largely investigated (10)(11)(12)(13).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Omega-3 PUFAs and vitamin D co-supplementation as a safe-effective therapeutic approach for core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder: case report and literature review

Infante

Sears

Rizzo

et al. 2018

Nutritional Neuroscience

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Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by abnormal development of cognitive, social, and communicative skills. Although ASD aetiology and pathophysiology are still unclear, various nutritional factors have been investigated as potential risk factors for ASD development, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and vitamin D deficiency. In fact, both omega-3 PUFAs and vitamin D are important for brain development and function. Case report: Herein, we report the case of a 23-year-old young adult male with autism who was referred to our Unit due to a 12 months history of cyclic episodes of restlessness, agitation, irritability, oppositional and self-injurious behaviours. Laboratory tests documented a markedly altered omega-6/omega-3 balance, along with a vitamin D deficiency, as assessed by serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Omega-3 and vitamin D co-supplementation was therefore started, with remarkable improvements in ASD symptoms throughout a 24 months follow-up period. A brief review of the literature for interventional studies evaluating the efficacy of omega-3 or vitamin D supplementation for the treatment of ASD-related symptoms is also provided. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case reporting remarkable beneficial effects on ASD symptoms deriving from omega-3 and vitamin D combination therapy. This case report suggests omega-3 and vitamin D co-supplementation as a potential safe-effective therapeutic strategy to treat core symptoms of ASD. However, larger studies are needed to evaluate the real effectiveness of such therapeutic approach in a broader sample of ASD patients.

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Section: Discussion Of the Case And Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Discussion Of the Case And Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Omega-3 PUFAs and vitamin D co-supplementation as a safe-effective therapeutic approach for core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder: case report and literature review

Infante

Sears

Rizzo

et al. 2018

Nutritional Neuroscience

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“…18 In patients with ASDs, the administration of n-3 PUFAs may be of special importance, due to their role in brain structure and functionality, neurotransmission and biomembranes, among others. 20 Even though limited benefits of n-3 PUFAs are reported for this population in randomized controlled trials, the absence of statistical significance is attributed to the small number of treated patients and the lack of clinical studies. 20 However, PUFA supplementation may be suggested as a complement for other therapeutic approaches.…”

Section: Administration During Breastfeeding: Cognitive Effectsmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…20 Even though limited benefits of n-3 PUFAs are reported for this population in randomized controlled trials, the absence of statistical significance is attributed to the small number of treated patients and the lack of clinical studies. 20 However, PUFA supplementation may be suggested as a complement for other therapeutic approaches. 20 On the other hand, the association between manifestations of ADHD and low circulating levels of n-3 PUFAs has been consistently reported in different observational studies summarized in a systematic review.…”

Section: Administration During Breastfeeding: Cognitive Effectsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fecundation, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Politano¹,

López-Berroa²

2020

Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet

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Long-chain omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as the eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, have been linked to human health in all stages of life, from fetal development to aging. These PUFAs act as precursors for various metabolites involved in the prevention of certain diseases. The recognizable effects of these supplements prior to pregnancy (oocyte maturation), during pregnancy (improvement in the risk of premature delivery, among others) and in the offspring (in terms of cognitive function and the approach to neurodevelopmental disorders) are described in the present narrative review. We concluded that the diffusion of these supplements may improve the prognosis of these patients in a simple, effective way, and with high safety rates.

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Lipids in the Treatment of Mental Disorders

Lange

2020

Bailey's Industrial Oil and Fat Products

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The management of mental disorders is dominated today by pharmacotherapy, while nutrition and dietary approaches play a minor role. Evidence from both preclinical and clinical investigations suggests an important role for lipids in major mental disorders. Alterations in the concentration, organization, and metabolism of lipids are associated with mood disorders, schizophrenia, and behavioral problems in childhood. The lipid composition of the brain can be influenced by nutrition, environmental factors, and behavioral activity. Lipids, and omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in particular, may represent a target for the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. Deficits in the dietary omega‐3 PUFAs, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been implicated in the pathophysiology of several mental disorders and linked to the maintenance of brain health. This may be mediated by the modulation of inflammatory processes and direct effects on neuronal membrane fluidity and receptor function. Low levels of omega‐3 PUFAs have been associated with various mental disorders, such as poor cognition, depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The available findings from randomized clinical trials examining the therapeutic efficacy of omega‐3 PUFAs are inconsistent and inconclusive. This limits their usage in psychiatric practice. Future research should investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of omega‐3 PUFAs in mental disorders. Large‐scale, well‐designed clinical trials should be conducted to assess the efficacy of omega‐3 PUFAs in the prevention and therapy of various mental disorders.

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The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Developmental Psychopathology: A Systematic Review on Early Psychosis, Autism, and ADHD

Cited by 99 publications

References 102 publications

Omega-3 PUFAs and vitamin D co-supplementation as a safe-effective therapeutic approach for core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder: case report and literature review

Omega-3 PUFAs and vitamin D co-supplementation as a safe-effective therapeutic approach for core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder: case report and literature review

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fecundation, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Lipids in the Treatment of Mental Disorders

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