Randomized Controlled Trial of Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acid Supplementation to Reduce Inflammatory Markers in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#child #child-preschool #humans #autism-spectrum-disorder #biomarkers

Randomized Controlled Trial of Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acid Supplementation to Reduce Inflammatory Markers in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Keim et al., 2022 | J Autism Dev Disord | Rct

Citation

Keim Sarah A, Jude Abigail, ... Rogers Lynette K. Randomized Controlled Trial of Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acid Supplementation to Reduce Inflammatory Markers in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2022-Dec;52(12):5342-5355. doi:10.1007/s10803-021-05396-9

Abstract

This double-blind, randomized controlled trial, tested fatty acid (FA) supplementation in children (ages 2- < 6 years) recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants received daily oral FA supplement containing omega-3 and omega-6 FA, or a placebo for 90 days based on participant weight. Erythrocyte FAs and the cytokines, IL-1β, IL-2, IFNγ, were measured in plasma obtained from serial blood collections. Treatment increased omega-3 and omega-6 FA levels (1.40 mol% for EPA and 1.62 mol% for DHA) and reduced IL-2 levels compared to placebo (- 0.17 pg/mL, 95% CI - 0.31, - 0.02, d = - 0.62). Omega 3-6 treatment was tolerable and adherence was greater than 70%. Future research will assess the effects of Omega 3-6 treatment on ASD symptoms. Registered on 06/08/2018 with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03550209.

Key Findings

Registered on 06/08/2018 with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03550209.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Biomarkers
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-6
  • Interleukin-2

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article
  • Vertical: omega-3-inflammation

Provenance

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