Usually, people who suffer from autism tend to experience slow brain growth.
Hence, almost every parent out there generally opts for an omega-3 supplement to offer some help in this regard. Nonetheless, when it comes to buying them or making a suggestion or two from someone else, most of us confront loads of myths.
And, almost each and every one of them seems believable at the front. Therefore, in this blog, I’ve decided to mention some of them and offer a rational explanation against them.
Hopefully, it’ll help you out with your buying decision.
Myths… Busted!
Before I get started, here’s something I want you to know.
In this section, I’ll try to disclose as many myths as possible. Nonetheless, it might still not be enough to cover everything. Thus, if you ever hear anything wrong regarding omega-3, don’t forget to do some research on it. Or, talking to your doctor might be a little helpful as well.
Myth – 1: Each And Every Omega-3 Are The Same.
As of now, mankind has been able to find three types of omega-3 fatty acids. And, needless to say, they’re pretty different from each other.
For example, an EPA-based supplement will focus more on improving your heart. However, on the other hand, DHA helps in improving your brain health to some extent.
Finally, ALA isn’t even found in fish oil. It’s extracted chiefly from flaxseeds and walnuts. It is more inclined towards reducing your inflammation rate a little.
However, our body isn’t too efficient in consuming ALA properly. So, it’s not really ideal for someone who has an intestinal problem.
Myth- 2: Taking Too Much Supplement Can Cause Bleeding.
Omega-3 is, indeed, known to have an anti-clotting effect or two. This, in turn, has led many people to believe that it can lead to excessive bleeding if you’ve cut somewhere.
However, that’s wrong. It doesn’t slow down the blood clotting process a little. But, it’s not a proven fact that it causes bleeding or something as such.
Nonetheless, if you’re taking a blood-thinning drug and want to take an omega-3 supplement, it’ll be better to talk to your doctor first. They’ll understand your condition better.
Myth – 3: Omega-3 Will Not Improve Your Brain Health.
Well, no. It’s a proven fact that omega-3 fatty acids can improve your brain health by a mile. It can also boost your mood naturally and protect it against cognitive decline.
Finally, you can also improve your memory function by consuming a supplement daily. Due to this reason, it’s considered to be an excellent option for an autistic patient.
Myth – 4: An Omega-3 Supplement Tend To Smell Fishy.
A supplement product, although made from fish, is usually distilled and refined to eliminate the foul fish odor entirely. Hence, there’s no way you can smell fishiness from it.
However, I’ll still ask you to keep an eye on the expiration date of the product. Sometimes, if it gets past that, it might come with some sort of pungent odor or taste.
Myth – 5: It Doesn’t Help People With Autism.
Well, that’s not true at all. The omega-3 fatty acid is essential in developing the brain of an autistic person and other spectrum disorders. Specialized Omega-3 spectrum fish oil supplements can improve their memory and enhance social personas.
It can make them confident and prompt them to start a conversation with a person whom they don’t know. Also, it’s excellent for their eye health as well.
That’s A Wrap!
Whether you believe it or not, fish oil or omega-3 can be highly beneficial and healthy for an autistic child. However, to make the most out of it, you should learn more about the dosage of the same. Talking with a doctor will be ideal for you in this aspect.
As a rule of thumb, your child should only take 500mg to 700mg of the omega-3 supplements daily. The amount will depend on their weight and age as well. Additionally, you must learn more about what you can mix the supplement with.
In most cases, the doctors tend to ask parents to mix them into water. However, you can also ask them if you could prepare it with fruit juice or not.