Whether you have only recently learned that you have Autism or you know someone with this condition, you’ll find information on here to keep you updated with developments in the treatment field, including medical research and health news. Our ongoing dialogue with our customers enables us to keep providing you with information and support. Look out for our quarterly newsletter (sign up on the left menu) and articles from leading experts in the field. You can find general health information in our Newsroom, in which you’ll find our news releases, articles and media cuttings archive.

Autism is a brain development disorder that appears early in life, most often manifesting itself by the age of 3 years. It affects most areas of a child’s social and psychological development, continuing throughout adulthood. Symptoms are characterised by impaired social interaction and communication and by restricted interests and repetitive behaviour. The autism spectrum disorders (ASD) also include related conditions such as Asperger’s syndrome, which have fewer signs and symptoms.

The cause of autism is generally not known but is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is a considerable amount of evidence that genetic factors may play a part, since ASDs often seem to run in families. The environmental factors believed to play a part in its development are numerous and include viral exposure in the womb, drugs used in pregnancy and/or childbirth, environmental toxins, mercury poisoning, vaccines (MMR) and food intolerances or allergies. It is likely that it is a combination of factors rather than an individual cause that leads to the development of ASD.

Autism, like dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyspraxia, is part of a group of neurodevelopmental disorders which are all associated with problems in the metabolism of long-chain fatty acids. Children with autism have lower levels of long-chain fatty acids than other children, possibly because of an inability to convert what are known as short-chain essential fatty acids to long-chain fatty acids, as found in fish. Long-chain fatty acids play a crucial role in learning, memory and behaviour via direct effects on brain function, including the regulation of neurotransmitters, and also indirectly on the expression of genes in the brain. Daily supplementation with EPA can result in improvements in overall health, cognition, sleep patterns, social interactions, eye contact and anxiety.

With its high EPA content we recommend Vegepa Chewables. Our Vegepa Chewables are naturally flavoured with orange.

• Children two years to five years may take up to 2 capsules daily.
• Children of five to ten years may take up to 4 capsules daily.
• Children of ten and over may take up to 6 capsules daily.

For adults we recommend Vegepa at up to 8 capsules daily.