Objective: To investigate the intervention effects of ω-3 fatty acids on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: PubMed

EMBase

the Cochrane Library

Web of Science

SinoMed

CNKI

Wanfang and VIP databases were systematically retrieved for randomized controlled trials on ω-3 fatty acid treatment for children and adolescents with ASD. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to Feb. 2021. Trials that met the inclusion criteria were screened and statistically analyzed by using RevMan 5. 3 software. Results: Eight randomized controlled trials were enrolled

including 340 children with ASD. Compared with the control group

the experimental group showed significant improvements in symptoms of hyperactivity (MD = -2. 60

95%CI from -4. 92 to -0. 27

P<0. 05) and social withdrawal/ autism symptoms (MD = -2. 17

95%CI from -3. 65 to -0. 69

P <0. 05). Compared with the experimental group

the control group showed significant improvements in the externalizing behavior score (MD= 6. 22

95%CI from 1. 59 to 10. 86

P<0. 05) after ω-3 fatty acid supplementation. Conclusion: ω-3 fatty acid supplementation can improve symptoms of hyperactivity and social withdrawal/ autism in children with ASD

which has minimal side effects and good tolerability. However

further high-quality

multi-center

large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the overall clinical efficacy and optimal dosage selection for ω-3 fatty acid supplementation in children with ASD.