Internet-based, randomized, controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids for hyperactivity in autism

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#child #child-development-disorders-pervasive #child-preschool #double-blind-method #fatty-acids-omega-3

Internet-based, randomized, controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids for hyperactivity in autism

Bent et al., 2014 | J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry | Rct

Citation

Bent Stephen, Hendren Robert L, ... Law Paul. Internet-based, randomized, controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids for hyperactivity in autism. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014-Jun;53(6):658-66. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2014.01.018

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Preliminary evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce hyperactivity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We sought to examine the feasibility of a novel, Internet-based clinical trial design to evaluate the efficacy of this supplement. METHOD: E-mail invitations were sent to parents of children aged 5 to 8 years enrolled in the Interactive Autism Network. All study procedures, including screening, informed consent, and collection of outcome measures took place over the Internet. The primary outcome measures were parent- and teacher-rated changes in hyperactivity on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC-H). RESULTS: During the 6-week recruitment period, 57 children from 28 states satisfied all eligibility criteria and were randomly assigned to 1.3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids or an identical placebo daily for 6 weeks. Outcome assessments were obtained from all 57 participants and 57 teachers, and the study was completed in 3 months. Children in the omega-3 fatty acid group had a greater reduction in hyperactivity (-5.3 points) compared to the placebo group (-2.6 points), but the difference was not statistically significant (1.9-point greater improvement in the omega-3 group, 95% CI = -2.2 to 5.2). Adverse events were rare and not associated with omega-3 fatty acids. Participant feedback was positive. CONCLUSION: Internet-based, randomized controlled trials of therapies in children with ASD are feasible and may lead to marked reductions in the time and cost of completing trials. A larger sample size is required to definitively determine the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids. Clinical trial registration information-Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Hyperactivity Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorder; http://clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01694667.

Key Findings

During the 6-week recruitment period, 57 children from 28 states satisfied all eligibility criteria and were randomly assigned to 1.3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids or an identical placebo daily for 6 weeks. Outcome assessments were obtained from all 57 participants and 57 teachers, and the study was completed in 3 months. Children in the omega-3 fatty acid group had a greater reduction in hyperactivity (-5.3 points) compared to the placebo group (-2.6 points), but the difference was not statistic

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 57
Age Range 5 to 8 years
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
  • Child, Preschool
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperkinesis
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: omega-3-autism

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09