Essential Fatty Acids UNDER CONSTRUCTION
What does it involve?
Giving supplements orally. Usually supplied as oil in a bottle or small capsules containing the oils. Great care must be taken when selecting products, partcularly fish oils, where contamination with Mercury, PCB's and Organophosphates can be an issue. Use reputable suppliers who are willing to share the results of testing showing whether their products are 'clean'.
How might it help?
Fatty acids are nutritional components contained in fats and oils found in the human diet. Fatty acids may be saturated or unsaturated, and may also be essential or necessary. Fatty acids are components of every cell in the body and help determine the biological properties of these cells. They are also precursors of a group of highly reactive, short-lived molecules called prostaglandins. Each cell type or organ produces its own forms of prostaglandin to carry out its metabolic functions. Other uses of fatty acids include the following: providing energy; maintaining body temperature; insulating the nerves; cushioning and protecting body tissues.
Improvements seen in chidlren with Autism can be global. Specific areas include speech, attention, mood and eye contact.
Further Reading & Resources
Omega 3 Fatty Acids in relation to behaviour, cognition and mood
Alex Richardson PhD 2003
Food & Behaviour Research (FAB)
Excellent resource
Could Fish Make my Child Smart?
BBC Website