brown-observablefatty-2014.pdf (4.11 MB)
Observable essential fatty acid deficiency markers and autism spectrum disorder.
journal contribution
posted on 2014-07-01, 00:00 authored by C M Brown, David AustinDavid Austin, Ljoudmila BusijaAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been associated with essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiencies, with some researchers theorising that dysregulation of phospholipid metabolism may form part of the biological basis for ASD. This pilot study compared observable signs of fatty acid status of 19 children with an ASD diagnosis to 23 of their typically developing siblings. A pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding history was also obtained from their parents, which included a measure of infant intake of fatty acid rich colostrum immediately post-partum. When considered within their family group, those infants not breastfed (with colostrum) within the first hour of life and who had a history of fatty acid deficiency symptoms were more likely to have an ASD diagnosis. Other variables such as formula use, duration of breastfeeding, gestational age and Apgar scores were not associated with group membership. The results of this study are consistent with previous research showing a relationship between fatty acid metabolism, breastfeeding and ASD such that early infant feeding practices and the influence this has on the fatty acid metabolism of the child may be a risk factor for ASD.
History
Journal
Breastfeeding ReviewVolume
22Issue
2Pagination
21 - 26Publisher
Australian Breastfeeding AssociationLocation
Glen Iris, Vic.ISSN
0729-2759Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2014, Australian Breastfeeding AssociationUsage metrics
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No categories selectedKeywords
Biological MarkersBreast FeedingChildChild Development Disorders, PervasiveChild, PreschoolColostrumFatty Acids, EssentialFemaleHumansInfantInfant Nutritional Physiological PhenomenaInfant, NewbornMaleNutritive ValuePilot ProjectsSiblingsASDAutism Spectrum DisorderBreastfeedingEFAEssential fatty acidsFAD score
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