Autism treated in one person by Omega-3 plus Vitamin D

Created December 2018

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.

Nutr Neurosci. 2018 Dec 13:1-12. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2018.1557385.

Infante M1, Sears B2, Rizzo AM3, Mariani Cerati D4, Caprio M5,6, Ricordi C7,8, Fabbri A1.

* Overview Autism and vitamin D * Autism treated by Vitamin D (80 – 120 ng) – Cannell update May 2018 1. # Items in both categories Autism and Omega-3 are listed here: {category} --- 1. Vitamin D and Omega-3 category starts with {include} --- 1. Autism treated by Vitamin D: Dr. Cannell - video June 2013 includes many reasons why he believes Autism is related to Vitamin D {include}

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-month 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-month 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 efficacy of such therapeutic approach in a broader sample of ASD patients.

Tags: Autism Omega-3