Research by Adrian Raine suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish and supplements, can significantly reduce aggressive behavior. His meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials indicates a 30% reduction in aggression. Raine advocates for omega-3 supplementation in various societal settings to help mitigate violence, despite it not being a complete solution.
Individuals who frequently consume fish or fish oil supplements intake essential omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for brain health. Studies have consistently demonstrated that deficiencies in brain function can lead to aggressive and violent behavior, with poor nutrition being a significant risk factor for such behaviors.
This meta-analysis shows that omega-3 reduced both reactive aggression, which is behavior in response to a provocation, and proactive aggression, which is planned. Only one of the 19 labs followed up with participations after supplementation ended, so the analysis focused on changes in aggression from beginning to end of treatment for experimental and control groups, a period averaging 16 weeks. “While there is value in knowing whether omega-3 reduces aggression in the short-term,” the paper states, “the next step will be to evaluate whether omega-3 can reduce aggression in the long-term.