Information
When we talk about nutrition and autism, we’re not just talking about picky eating or “getting kids to eat better.”
We’re talking about how the brain is built, how cells communicate with each other, and how the body handles inflammation.
A large clinical study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences helps shed light on this by looking at fatty acid levels inside the body of autistic children — not just what they eat, but how their bodies use those nutrients.
What the Researchers Looked At
The study compared blood samples from:
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121 autistic children
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110 non-autistic children without developmental delays
Instead of measuring fatty acids in food or short-term blood levels, the researchers looked at red blood cells (RBCs).
This matters because RBC fatty acid levels reflect long-term nutritional and metabolic patterns, not just yesterday’s meal.
What They Found (In Plain Language)
The results were very consistent:
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Autistic children had lower overall levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) — fats that are essential for brain and nervous system function
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Two key fatty acids were especially low:
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DHA (an omega-3) – crucial for brain development, emotional regulation, and communication between brain cells
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Arachidonic acid (AA, an omega-6) – important for cell membranes and immune signaling
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At the same time, a subgroup of autistic children showed higher levels of PGE2, a molecule linked to inflammation.
In simple terms:
👉 Less of the brain’s building materials, but more signals linked to inflammation.
Why This Matters for Autism
Fatty acids are not “extra” nutrients — they are structural components of the brain.
DHA and AA help with:
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flexibility of brain cell membranes
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effective signaling between neurons
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balanced inflammatory responses in the brain
The study suggests that in autism:
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fatty acids may be used up more quickly
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metabolism of fats may be out of balance
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inflammation may place extra demand on these nutrients
Importantly, the researchers noted that diet alone cannot fully explain these findings.
Even though many autistic children eat a limited range of foods, the inflammatory patterns seen in the study point to deeper biological and metabolic differences.
What This Means in Real Life
This research does not suggest a cure.
And it does not mean that autism is caused by nutrition.
What it does support is a growing understanding that:
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Autism is not only behavioral — it is biological and systemic
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Nutrition matters because it provides the raw materials the brain depends on
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Supporting fatty acid balance may be one helpful piece of an individualized support plan
This is why many autism-informed approaches look more closely at:
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omega-3 intake (especially DHA)
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fat digestion and absorption
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inflammation and oxidative stress
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gut–brain interactions that affect nutrient availability
A Gentle Takeaway for Parents
This research reinforces something many parents already sense:
Supporting an autistic child is not about changing who they are.
It’s about understanding how their body works — and reducing unnecessary biological stress where possible.
Fatty acid balance is just one part of a very complex picture.
But studies like this help move the conversation away from guesswork and toward informed, compassionate support.
Reference
Brigandi SA et al. (2015).
Autistic Children Exhibit Decreased Levels of Essential Fatty Acids in Red Blood Cells.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences