Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Study findings indicate omega-3 supplementation improved characteristics of autism, including stereotyped behaviors and social communication.

Autism is a spectrum disorder that includes neurological and developmental disabilities, primarily in children¹. In more recent years, Autism Spectrum Disorder has become more prevalent, affecting about 1 in 31 U.S. children 8 years of age^1,2. Autism is also 3 times more common among boys than girls². A recent study found supplementing omega-3 fatty acids improved both social and behavioral functioning in autistic children¹.

The brain contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosa-hexaenoic acid (DHA), which must be obtained through the diet^1,3. Past research has shown that intake of DHA and eicosa-pentaenoic acid (EPA), found in fish oil, may reduce the risk of mental and neurological disorders in adults^1,4 and autism in children^1,5. Recent research investigated if omega-3 fatty acids could improve the behavior and social interactions in children with autism¹.

The research included 54 children (5-15 years of age) diagnosed with autism (average age 8 years old). Participants were randomly selected for the double-blind study and placed into an omega-3 group (1g/day omega-3 with 180 mg EPA + 120 mg DHA; n=28) or a placebo group (1g/day medium chain triglyceride; n=26) for an 8-week study. There were no significant differences found between the two groups at baseline, except for sex (with 9 females in the omega-3 group, compared to 6 in the placebo group).

Participants were assessed using the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS), which is a standardized assessment of autism. It contains 4 subscales with 14 items in each subscale, that are scored from 0-3. The four subscales include: stereotyped behaviors, communication, social interaction and developmental disorders^1,6.

After 8-weeks of supplementation the results were as follows:

• The omega-3 group showed improved total GARS score (p=0.001) compared to the placebo group (59.58 +/-10.62 vs 68.96 +/- 13.24 respectively).
• The omega-3 group showed improved stereotyped behaviors (p=0.02) compared to the placebo group (19.07 +/- 5.06 vs 21.92 +/- 6.47 respectively).
• The omega-3 group showed improved social communication (p=0.02) compared to the placebo group (20.50 +/- 5.09 vs 24.42 +/- 6.87 respectively)
• There was no significant difference between the groups in social interaction after 8-weeks.

In conclusion, the above findings indicate omega-3 supplementation improved characteristics of autism, including stereotyped behaviors and social communication¹. The mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids on the brain in autism spectrum disorder is not yet understood and is an area for future research. The results should also be confirmed in a larger study with more participants and over a longer period¹.

Source: Doaei, Saeid, Fatemeh Bourbour, Zohreh Teymoori, Faranak Jafari, Naser Kalantari, Saheb Abbas Torki, Narges Ashoori, Shiva Nemat Gorgani, and Maryam Gholamalizadeh. “The effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on social and behavioral disorders of children with autism: a randomized clinical trial.” Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism 27, no. 1 (2021): 12-18.

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Posted July 1, 2025.

Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.

References:

1. Doaei S, Bourbour F, Teymoori Z, et al. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on social and behavioral disorders of children with autism: a randomized clinical trial. Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2021;27(1):12-18. Wpływ suplementacji kwasów tłuszczowych omega-3 na zaburzenia społeczne i behawioralne u dzieci z autyzmem: badanie kliniczne z randomizacją. doi:10.5114/pedm.2020.101806
2. Control CfD, Prevention. Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder: Prevalence. Retrieved April. 2019;19:2013.
3. Wainwright PE. Dietary essential fatty acids and brain function: a developmental perspective on mechanisms. The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. Feb 2002;61(1):61-9. doi:10.1079/pns2001130
4. Young G, Conquer J. Omega-3 fatty acids and neuropsychiatric disorders. Reprod Nutr Dev. Jan-Feb 2005;45(1):1-28. doi:10.1051/rnd:2005001
5. Richardson AJ. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in childhood developmental and psychiatric disorders. Lipids. Dec 2004;39(12):1215-22. doi:10.1007/s11745-004-1350-z
6. Ahmadi S, Safari T, Hemmatian M, Khalili Z. The psychometric properties of Gilliam autism rating scale (GARS). Research in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences. 2011;1(1):87-104.