Fish Oil: An Essential Tool to Improve Autism

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http://www.mercola.com/2005/jun/25/fish_oil_autism.htm

 

Fish Oil: An Essential Tool to Improve Autism

 

With the autism epidemic surging, the number of autistic children in

the United States has greatly increased. Estimates range from one in

500 to one in 1,000 cases in the United States each year. However,

this condition -- responsible for a range of social and developmental

problems -- doesn't plague American children only.

 

Autism rates in Scotland have also increased dramatically within the

past decade, leading Scottish researchers to conduct a study in hopes

of revealing the cause. And they made an exciting breakthrough:

Childhood autism may be associated with a deficiency of fatty acids

(omega-3 fats) found in oily fish.

 

Promising Results

 

According to a pilot study of about 20 autistic children, cell

membranes in the blood of autistic children processed fatty acids at a

much faster rate than other children. Brain cell membranes are largely

made up of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, substances found in oily

fish such as:

 

* Mackerel

* Salmon

 

Based on their discovery, researchers speculate fatty acid deficiency

may be a partial trigger for autism.

 

The Scotsman June 1, 2005

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

I feel very strongly that omega-3 fat deficiency is one of the most

prevalent nutritional deficiencies in this country and results in

profound contributions to nearly all disease. Not only are these fats

important for your child's neurological development, they also have

vital contributions to:

 

* Preventing inflammation

* Improving cardiovascular function

* Optimizing your immune system function

 

Breastfeeding your child is one of the most important first steps you

can take in encouraging normal development of your child's brain and

nervous system. Breast milk is naturally high in omega-3 fats and

other important nutrients. It is important to remember, though, that

if you are going to have healthy breast milk you must eat well and get

enough high-quality omega-3 fats in your diet.

 

Finally, while the results of the above study are certainly exciting,

the researcher's advice to eat more fish as a source of omega-3 fats

should be taken with caution. An unfortunate result of modern times is

that our lakes, streams and oceans have become contaminated with a

number of toxins, including mercury.

 

As some of you may know already, mercury is another important

contributing factor to the development of autism. While its potential

connection to the disease is most commonly seen with vaccinations,

seafood and other sources like dental fillings are also important to

be aware of.

 

This is why you will want to find a clean source of fish oil.

Alternatively, a less expensive option would be to find a high-quality

fish or cod liver oil. As we have just passed the first day of summer,

most of us should be receiving our vitamin D from the sun, not from

cod liver oil. So, unless you are getting little to no sun exposure it

would likely be best for you to use a high-quality fish oil at this

time of year.

 

Related Articles:

 

Did You Know the Autism Rate is Rising?

 

Cod Liver Oil May Make Children Smarter

 

The Dramatic Effect of Fish Oil on Learning & Development