Elevated DHA and DHA/AA ratio in ASD

Several studies point to elevated levels of DHA and DHA/AA ratio in Red Blood Cells in ASD kids.

The role of lipid peroxidation in individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Plasma levels of MDA-LDL, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and DHA/arachidonic acid ratios were significantly higher, while plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were significantly lower in the ASD group than in the control group.

The total ABC scores were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group.

Multiple linear regression analysis and the adaptive Lasso revealed association of increased plasma DHA levels with the ABC total scores and increased plasma MDA-LDL levels. Such association between DHA and plasma MDA-LDL levels may contribute to behavior in individuals with ASD. (R1)

Increased ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid/arachidonic acid ratios and upregulation of signaling mediator in individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Plasma EPA, DHA, and arachidic acid levels, and plasma DHA/AA and EPA/AA ratios were significantly higher, while plasma AA and adrenic acid were significantly lower in the 28 individuals with ASD than in the 21 normal controls. The ABC scores were significantly higher in the ASD group compared to the control group. The plasma ceruloplasmin levels in the ASD group were significantly reduced compared to those in the control group. (R2)