Autistic disorder and phospholipids: A review
Christine M Brown1, David W Austin
1Swinburne Autism Bio-Research Initiative, Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia. cmbrown@swin.edu.au
Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids
|October 26, 2010
Summary
Phospholipid metabolism may be impaired in autistic disorder (AD). Research is needed to explore if breastfeeding and essential fatty acid (EFA) supplementation can prevent or treat AD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Dysregulated phospholipid metabolism is implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders like autistic disorder (AD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- The membrane hypothesis of schizophrenia also suggests a role for phospholipid metabolism.
- Evidence indicates impaired phospholipid metabolism in individuals with AD, but its exact role (causal, mechanistic, or epiphenomenological) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review fatty acid and phospholipid metabolism.
- To examine evidence for phospholipid dysregulation in neurodevelopmental disorders.
- To explore the potential role of breastfeeding and essential fatty acid (EFA) supplementation in the prevention and treatment of AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on phospholipid metabolism.
- Analysis of evidence linking phospholipid metabolism to AD, ADHD, and schizophrenia.
- Discussion of the potential impact of essential fatty acids (EFAs) from breastfeeding and supplementation.
Main Results:
- Phospholipid metabolism appears to be impaired in individuals with AD.
- The precise role of phospholipid metabolism in the etiology or progression of AD requires further investigation.
- The preventative role of breastfeeding and colostrum, rich in EFAs, warrants more research.
- The efficacy of EFA supplementation as a treatment for AD symptoms needs to be determined through clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Phospholipid metabolism is a potential area of interest in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly AD.
- Further research is crucial to understand the causal links and therapeutic potential of EFAs in AD.
- Breastfeeding and EFA supplementation may offer preventative or therapeutic benefits, necessitating rigorous clinical evaluation.
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