Increasing evidence suggests that essential fatty acids, which are critical nutrients for the brain, may be especially important for children suffering from developmental disorders like autism.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are needed for healthy brain development and function. They make up 20% of the brain's dry weight and influence the function of powerful neurotransmitters, including such mood-altering chemicals as serotonin.

Measuring fatty acid levels in the blood cell membranes (plasma phospholipids) in children with autism, one preliminary study found that average, total levels of omega-3 (n-3 PUFAs) in the autistic children were about 20% lower than in mentally retarded children used as controls.1 Levels of one important n-3 fat, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were 23% lower. These deficiencies resulted in a significantly higher ratio of n-6 to n-3 PUFAs in the autistic children.

"These results open up very interesting perspectives for the investigation of a new biological index in autism," the researchers wrote.

Abnormalities of fatty acid and membrane phospholipid metabolism may play a part in a wide range of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Interestingly, a similar pattern of fatty acid imbalance has been found in other psychiatric disorders that are characterized by major communication dysfunction, including schizophrenia, attention-deficit disorder, and Rett's syndrome.1

In fact, some researchers theorize that ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism can be characterized as "phospholipid spectrum of disorders." This could explain why these conditions often overlap, why they tend to cluster in families, and why they often share similar clinical features.2

Upon discovering that the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in the red blood cell (RBC) membranes of an autistic patient was dramatically reducedÑby up to 70%Ñ the authors of one recent study called for a large scale assessment of RBC fatty acid compositions in patients with autism spectrum and related disorders.3

The human body cannot make essential fatty acids from scratch - but depends on having these nutrients, or their precursors, supplied directly through diet. For this reason, clinical testing is important to determine whether the body is receiving the healthy balance it requires.

Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids Analysis measures levels in RBC membrane phospholipids, an advanced technology that provides the most accurate representation of fatty acid status in other body tissues. All major fatty acid groups, including n-3, n-6, and n-9, are measured, as well as clinically significant ratios and distributions.

References:
1 Vancassel S, Durand G, Barthelemy C, Lejeune B, Marineau J, Guilloteau D, Andres C, Chalon S. Plasma fatty acid levels in autistic children. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2001;65(1):1-7.

2 Richardson AJ, Ross MA. Fatty acid metabolism in neurodevelopmental disorder: a new perspective on associations between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and the autistic spectrum.Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2000 Jul-Aug;63(1-2):1-9.

3 Bell JG, Sargent JR, Tocher DR, Dick JR. Red blood cell fatty acid compositions in a patient with autistic spectrum disorder: a characteristic abnormality in neurodevelopmental disorders?Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2000 Jul-Aug;63(1-2):21-5.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealth institute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.