Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and aberrant behaviors in Jordanian children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD): A pilot study

Background This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the daily intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and omega-6 PUFA, and aberrant symptoms in Jordanian children and adolescents. Method A sample of 37 children and adolescents aged between, 3–18 y, (76% males) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were included in this study. Behavior and mental development were assessed using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) questionnaire. Food frequency questionnaires were used to assess omega-3 PUFA and omega-6 PUFA intake. Food items were analyzed using gas chromatography to measure their omega fatty acid content. A Chi-square test was conducted to determine the difference between autism rating scale items and omega-3 PUFA, omega-6 PUFA, and the ratio of omega-3 PUFA: omega-6 PUFA intake. Results Omega-3 PUFA and omega-6 PUFA mean intakes were 0.31 ± 0.29 g/day and 5.15 ± 2.91 g/day, respectively. The results indicate that there is no significant difference in most autism scale items with omega-3 PUFA intake. Omega-6 PUFA was found to have a significant association with several scale items (p-value < 0.05). Moreover, we found that foods high in omega-3 PUFA (g/100 g) were walnuts (9.20), tuna (0.92), and sardine (0.90). Foods high in omega-6 PUFA were sunflower oil (63.3), corn oil (56.0), and soybean oil (53.0). Conclusion The results indicated that omega-3 PUFA and omega-6 PUFA mean intake were found to be lower than the recommended values in children with autism. This information will be useful for healthcare providers to consider omega-3 PUFA and omega-6 PUFA when planning dietary meals for individuals with autism.