Non-specific effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on autistic spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adolescent #autism-spectrum-disorder #autistic-disorder #child #dietary-supplements

Non-specific effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on autistic spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis

de et al., 2022 | Nutr Neurosci | Meta Analysis

Citation

de Andrade Wobido Kelma, de Sá Barreto da Cunha Marcela, ... Pereira Marcos. Non-specific effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on autistic spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Neurosci. 2022-Sep;25(9):1995-2007. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2021.1913950

Abstract

METHODS: We searched seven databases and found 13 eligible controlled trials that use omega-3 supplementation in children and adolescents with ASD.Data extraction: We collected details on study design, intervention time, supplement dosage, and the autism assessment scale. Meta-analyses and subgroup analysis were conducted according to the autism symptoms. RESULTS: Omega-3 and omega-6 supplementation improved ASD symptoms according to the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (standard mean difference - SMD = -0.13; CI 95% = -0.34, -0.02). However, using subgroup analysis, we observed no efficacy in terms of improvements in hyperactivity (SMD = -0.03; CI 95%: -0.43, 0.36), irritability (SMD = -0.18; CI 95%: -0.51, 0.15), stereotypy (SMD = -0.03; CI 95%: -0.43, 0.36), inappropriate speech (SMD = -0.68; CI 95%: -1.49, 0.14), lethargy (SMD = -0.22; CI 95%: -0.58, 0.14), and social function (SMD = -0.71; IC 95%: -1.56, 0.14). W-3 and w-6 supplementation also showed no efficacy according to the Social Responsiveness Scale (SMD = 0.08; CI 95%: -0.23, 0.39). The adverse effects were classified as mild and equally distributed between the placebo and intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite w-3 and w-6 supplementation showing minimal beneficial effects in the treatment of autism, the subgroup analyses indicated that there is a lack of evidence on the beneficial role of w-3 and w-6 in treating ASD.Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO number CRD42020146116.

Key Findings

Omega-3 and omega-6 supplementation improved ASD symptoms according to the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (standard mean difference - SMD = -0.13; CI 95% = -0.34, -0.02). However, using subgroup analysis, we observed no efficacy in terms of improvements in hyperactivity (SMD = -0.03; CI 95%: -0.43, 0.36), irritability (SMD = -0.18; CI 95%: -0.51, 0.15), stereotypy (SMD = -0.03; CI 95%: -0.43, 0.36), inappropriate speech (SMD = -0.68; CI 95%: -1.49, 0.14), lethargy (SMD = -0.22; CI 95%: -0.58, 0.14)

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Autistic Disorder
  • Child
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Humans
  • Stereotypic Movement Disorder

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

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