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Cited by 106Autism Spectrum Disorder ResearchFatty Acid Research and HealthVitamin D Research Studies

A randomised controlled trial of vitamin D and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of irritability and hyperactivity among children with autism spectrum disorder

Mazahery, Hajar, Conlon, Cathryn A., Beck, Kathryn L., Mugridge, Owen, Kruger, Marlena C., Stonehouse, Welma, Camargo, Carlos A., Meyer, Barbara J. +2 more·2019·The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
DOI 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.10.017
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Abstract

Irritability and hyperactivity are common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Because pharmacological treatments may have adverse effects, and despite limited evidence, caregivers/parents often use dietary supplements such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids to address these behavioural symptoms. As a secondary objective of the VIDOMA (Vitamin D and Omega-3 in ASD) trial, we evaluated the efficacy of vitamin D, omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid [omega-3 LCPUFA; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)], or both on irritability and hyperactivity. New Zealand children with ASD (aged 2.5-8 years) participated in a 12-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D (2000 IU/day, VID), omega-3 LCPUFA (722 mg/day DHA, OM), or both (2000 IU/day vitamin D + 722 mg/day DHA, VIDOM). The primary outcomes were the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC) domains of irritability and hyperactivity. Biomarkers (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and omega-3 index) and primary outcomes were measured at baseline and 12-months. Out of 111 children who completed baseline data collection, 66% completed the study (VID = 19, OM = 23, VIDOM = 15, placebo = 16). After 12 months, children receiving OM (-5.0 ± 5.0, P = 0.001) and VID (-4.0±4.9, P = 0.01) had greater reduction in irritability than placebo (0.8±6.1). Compared to placebo, children on VID also had greater reduction in hyperactivity (-5.2±6.3 vs. -0.8±5.6, P = 0.047). Serum 25(OH)D concentration (nmol/L, mean±SD) increased by 27±14 in VID and by 36±17 in VIDOM groups (P < 0.0001), and omega-3 index (%, median (25th, 75th percentiles)) by 4.4 (3.3, 5.9) in OM and by 4.0 (2.0, 6.0) in VIDOM groups (P < 0.0001), indicating a good compliance rate. The results indicate that vitamin D and omega-3 LCPUFA reduced irritability symptoms in children with ASD. Vitamin D also reduced hyperactivity symptoms in these children.

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  • In a study by Mazahery et al. in 111 children with ASD ages 2.5 to 8 years randomized to placebo, Vitamin D 2000 IU/day, omega-3 722 mg/day, or both interventions for 1 year, those on both treatments had a significant reduction in their primary outcome measure, irritability on the ABC subscale (p < 0.001) compared to placebo, and those treated with vitamin D alone also had a reduction in irritancy

    “A more recent study was carried out by Mazahery et al. [73] in 111 children with ASD ages 2.5 to 8 years, and they were randomized to placebo, Vitamin D 2000 IU/day, or omega-3 722 mg/day or both interventions for 1 year of treatment. Seventy-three patients completed a year of therapy, and those on both treatments had a significant reduction in their primary outcome measure, irritability on the”

    From An Update on Psychopharmacological Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (2022) · cites this paper as [73]

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Authors
Mazahery, H., Conlon, C. A., Beck, K. L., Mugridge, O., Kruger, M. C., Stonehouse, W., Camargo, C. A., Meyer, B. J., Jones, B., & von Hurst, P. R.
Affiliations
  • Massey University (NZ)
  • Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (AU)
  • Harvard University (US)
  • University of Wollongong (AU)
  • University of Auckland (NZ)
ORCID
Venue
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2019-03
Volume
187
Pages
9-16
ISSN
0960-0760 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.10.017
OpenAlex
W2898237135
Cited by
106
References
55
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 6
FWCI
4.17
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Online (University of Wollongong) (submittedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion)
Funders
Massey University Strategic Innovation Fund, Massey University, New Zealand
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Fatty Acid Research and Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Vitamin D Research Studies
Keywords
autism spectrum disorder, irritability, hyperactivity, vitamin D supplementation, omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, dietary supplements, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, omega-3 index, children, behavioural symptoms, parent-reported outcomes, serum biomarkers
MeSH terms
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Child, Child, Preschool, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Irritable Mood, Male, New Zealand, Vitamin D, Vitamins, Fatty Acids, Omega-3

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