A new study has found that omega-3 fatty acids, available as nutritional supplements in fish oil capsules, can reduce aggression.
Previously, omega-3 has been linked to preventing schizophrenia, while antisocial behavior is thought to stem in part from nutritional deficiencies.
The University of Pennsylvania researchers relied on previous studies on the effects of omega-3 supplements on aggression. The study included 29 randomized controlled trials in which 3,918 people participated.
Across all trials, the researchers observed a modest (but significant) short-term effect, resulting in a reduction in aggression of up to 28% across multiple different variables (including age, gender, medical diagnosis, and length and dose of treatment).
The experiments, conducted between 1996 and 2024, lasted for an average of 16 weeks. It covered a variety of demographics, from children aged 16 and under, to seniors aged 50 to 60.
The overall decrease in aggressive behavior included both reactive aggression (in response to provocation) and proactive aggression (pre-planned behavior).
Larger studies over longer time periods are needed to strengthen the relationship between omega-3 and decreased aggressive behavior.
“Omega-3 is not a magic bullet that will completely solve the problem of violence in society,” says neurocriminologist Adrian Wren. “But can it help? Based on these findings, we believe it can, and we need to start acting on the new knowledge that we have.” we've got".
The study was published in Aggression and Violent Behavior.
That's another way how aggression can be stopped.
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