A Remarkable Study Shows That Omega-3 Can Reduce Aggressive Behaviour

Aggressive behaviour is an important societal problem that is often blamed on mental illness and treated with drugs that carry unwanted side effects. But what if aggressive behaviour can be partially reduced with a simple nutritional supplement?

A large and growing body of research shows that poor nutrition is a risk factor for behavioural problems. One supplement that is attracting attention is omega-3 essential fatty acids. A number of studies have suggested that taking omega-3 supplements can reduce aggression.

This carefully designed new meta-analysis put together the data from 29 controlled studies of aggression with a total of 3,918 people.

It found that supplementing omega-3 EFA’s modestly, but significantly, reduced aggression by 10-28%. The benefit was seen across genders in both adults and children. Omega-3 supplementation was able to reduce both reactive (impulsive) and proactive (premeditated and even psychopathic) aggression.

The study concludes that the significant reductions in aggressive behaviour by supplementing omega-3 “need to be taken seriously” and that “there is now sufficient evidence to begin to implement omega-3 supplementation to reduce aggression in children and adults.”

Aggressive and Violent Behavior. Sep-Oct 2024;78:101956.