CC000596Research appearing in the journal Biological Psychiatry (Volume 61, Issue 4, Pages 551-553 (15 February 2007)) looked at 13 children with autism and hyperactivity. The subjects exhibited behaviors that included severe tantrums, self-injury or aggression.  The subjects of the pilot study were between the ages of five and 17 were supplemented with DHA (700 mcg/day) and EPA (840 mg/day) over a six week period. The supplementation was found to be superior to placebo in treating the hyperactivity, and was without any adverse effects.  The authors concluded that, “The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for children with autism”. There is increasing evidence that essential fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances may be a factor in neurodevelopment disorders in children.