@misc{10481/74846,
year = {2022},
month = {3},
url = {http://hdl.handle.net/10481/74846},
abstract = {Background: The pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is under
investigation and one of the main alterations relates to the metabolic and inflammatory
system dysfunctions. Indeed, based on a possible deficit of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs)
of patients with ASD and looking for an anti-inflammatory effect, dietary supplements
with omega-3 fatty acids have been proposed. We aimed to evaluate differences in
plasma and erythrocyte FA profiles and plasma cytokines in patients with infantile ASD
after supplementation with docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids
or placebo and both compared at baseline with a reference healthy group.
Methods: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled intervention with DHA/EPA
for 6 months was carried out in 54 children between 2 and 6 years diagnosed with
ASD. They were selected and randomly assigned into two groups: 19 children received
800 mg/day of DHA and 25 mg/day of EPA, or placebo. In addition, another reference
group of 59 healthy children of the same age was included. Plasma lipids and cytokines,
and FA profiles in plasma and erythrocytes were measured at baseline and after
6 months of treatment in ASD children, and at baseline in the reference group.
Results: There were no differences in demographic, anthropometric characteristics,
and omega-3 intake between the healthy reference group and the ASD children at baseline. Children with ASD showed the higher plasma percentages of palmitic acid
and total saturated FA and lower total omega-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) compared
with healthy children. An increased level of DHA and reduced EPA level in erythrocytes
were detected in the ASD group vs. the reference group. After 6 months of treatment,
the ASD group that received DHA enriched product significantly increased the plasma
and erythrocyte percentages of DHA, but no differences were observed in the clinical
test scores and other parameters as plasma cytokines between the two groups of ASD
related to the intervention.
Conclusion: Spanish children with ASD exhibit an appropriate omega-3 FA status in
plasma and erythrocytes. Neither a clinical improvement of ASD children nor a better
anti-inflammatory or fatty acid state has been found after an intervention with DHA/EPA
for 6 months. So, the prescription of n-3 LC-PUFA and other dietary supplements in
ASD should be only indicated after a confirmed alteration of FA metabolism or omega-3
LC-PUFA deficiency evaluated by specific erythrocyte FA.},
organization = {Maternal-Infant and Developmental Health Network (SAMID)},
organization = {RETICS Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain	Red SAMID RD12/0022/0003},
publisher = {Frontiers},
keywords = {Autism spectrum disorder},
keywords = {Diet},
keywords = {Food and nutrition},
keywords = {Docosahexaenoic acid},
keywords = {Fatty acids},
keywords = {Cytokines},
title = {Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Intervention Modifies Plasma and Erythrocyte Omega-3 Fatty Acid Profiles But Not the Clinical Course of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Control Trial},
doi = {10.3389/fnut.2022.790250},
author = {De La Torre Aguilar, María José and Mesa García, María Dolores and Olivares, Mónica and Gil Hernández, Ángel},
}