Children with Autism Have Lower Levels of HDL

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http://www.newswise.com/articles/breaking-down-autism-researcher-finds-children-\

with-autism-have-lower-levels-of-hdl

Breaking Down Autism: Researcher Finds Children with Autism Have

Lower Levels of HDL

Released: 1/24/2012 11:15 AM EST

Source: University of Alabama

excerpt:

..... " Many studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids to be neuroprotective

because they decrease the risk of neurological problems, " Neggers explains.

" We were surprised when we didn't find studies that looked at omega-3

levels in children with autism. " Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon

and many other foods, are known to be neuroprotective.

Even though there were no major differences in what these children ate,

those with autism had a lower omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio and

lower levels of high density lipoprotein, more commonly known as HDL.

For both levels, it's often believed, the higher the better. HDL is

commonly referred to as " good " cholesterol. High levels of HDL seem to

protect against heart attacks, while low levels increase the risk of

heart disease.

" It's a very preliminary study, but we think there is some kind of lipid

metabolism disorder in children with autism, " Neggers says....