Suplementação de ômega-3 em crianças e adolescentes com TEA: uma revisão integrativa.

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in communication, social interaction, and the presence of repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Children and adolescents with ASD often present food selectivity and nutritional deficiencies, including low intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3, an essential nutrient for neurological development and modulation of inflammatory processes. This study aimed to identify scientific evidence on the effects of omega-3 supplementation in individuals with ASD through an integrative literature review. A search was conducted in national and international databases, resulting in the selection of eight randomized clinical trials published between 2007 and 2022. The administered doses ranged from 200 mg/day to 1.5 g/day of EPA and DHA, over periods from 6 to 24 weeks. The findings revealed heterogeneous results: while some studies reported improvements in behavioral, social, and attentional aspects, others showed only biochemical changes, such as increased plasma and erythrocyte omega-3 levels, without significant clinical impact. It is concluded that omega-3 supplementation appears promising as a complementary strategy in ASD management, although methodological variability, small sample sizes, and protocol diversity limit the strength of current evidence. Further research with greater standardization of dosages, EPA/DHA ratios, and intervention duration is recommended to clarify its true clinical impact on this population.