Mercedes Aguirre, director of NUA gives us some guidelines for Omega 3 supplementation in autism.

In relation to the intake of omega-3 in autism, the available scientific literature makes it clear that people with autism have a decreased amount of omega-3 compared to people of the same age without said alteration. As for studies, several of them provided supplements with very low doses of omega-3 (eg 200 mg DHA/day for 6 months), with inconclusive results.

Clearly, working with doses so low, that they do not even reach a nutritional dose, are doomed to failure. Despite this and although there are few studies, there are indications that point to the benefits of omega-3 supplementation in this group of children.

In our 12-year experience, we have received feedback on improvements in children's interaction with their environment, showing more connection with those around them. Regarding the dose, I am attaching an Infographic that I have done in general for any child, whether or not they have autism. The applicable dose would coincide with that indicated in the 'Concentration & Learning' section. In principle, this dose range should work. That said, there are times when autism is accompanied by other behavioral conditions, such as hyperactivity, aggressiveness or other types of situations. That is why in these cases, it could happen that on the dose for ages indicated in this scheme, it is necessary to lower something. It all depends on each case.

Roughly, from 6 to 10 years old it would give 1,000 mg of DHA and over 11 years old you can start with 2,000 mg DHA to later adjust and alternate 2,000 mg with 1,000 mg. DHA does not make you nervous, but in some children with very particular situations, if this type of atypical 'symptom' is observed, it would be enough to lower the dose (eg from 1,000 mg to 500 mg or from 2,000 mg to 1,000 mg). But as I comment, it is not the general and each case is different.

All the best,

Mercedes Aguirre.