Omega-3 Fatty Acids Monotherapy in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders

NCT01248130 · Status: TERMINATED · Phase: PHASE2 · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 7

Last updated 2025-03-27

Study results available
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Summary

The primary aim of this study is to examine the efficacy and tolerability of short-term omega-3 fatty acids monotherapy in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The investigators hypothesize that Omega-3 fatty acids will be efficacious in improving the core and associated features of ASD in youth, and that Omega-3 fatty acids monotherapy will be safe and well tolerated by youth with ASD. The secondary aim of this study is to examine the neuropsychological effect of Omega-3 fatty acids monotherapy in youth with ASD. The investigators hypothesize that omega-3 fatty acids will be efficacious in improving cognitive functions in youth with ASD.

Conditions

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Interventions

DRUG

Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders will be randomized to receive either 1500mg (3 capsules) omega-3 fatty acids or placebo. Each 500mg capsule contains 350mg EPA and 50mg DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids dosing will be on a forced titration schedule to 3 capsules per day. All subjects will start with 1 capsule per day with an increase to 3 capsules per day by week 2. Subjects will be maintained at 3 capsules per day thereafter until the end of the trial (completion/discontinuation). During the 12 weeks of the study period, participants will be evaluated at weekly intervals during the first three weeks of the trial (baseline, weeks 1-3) and tri-weekly thereafter till the end of the trial (weeks 6, 9 and 12). At each visit, measures of safety and effectiveness will be administered and subjects will be evaluated for response and side effects to the treatment. Study medications will be prescribed under double blind conditions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Gagan Joshi, MD · Massachusetts General Hospital

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
6 Years
Max Age
17 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2009-11-30
Primary Completion
2013-04-30
Completion
2013-04-30

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT01248130 on ClinicalTrials.gov