Omega‑3 supplementation in autism spectrum disorders: A still open question?

One of the most commonly used complementary and alternative practices in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the supplementation of omega‑3. We describe the case of a child with ASD who seemed to respond to omega‑3 supplementation in a relevant and lasting manner. So far, based on the results of randomized clinical trials, evidence‑based medicine negates the effectiveness of omega‑3 in ASD children. Nevertheless, considering anecdotal experiences, including that of our patient, and nonrandomized trials, the presence of a subgroup of ASD patients who are really responders to omega‑3 cannot be excluded. These responders might not appear when evaluating the omega‑3 effects in a sample taken as a whole. Studies that check for the possible presence of this subgroup of ASD individuals responders to omega‑3 are necessary.