A new meta-analysis published in the journal Aggression and Violent Behavior suggests that omega-3 supplements could be an effective tool in reducing aggressive behavior. The study, conducted by Adrian Raine and Lia Brodrick, analyzed 29 randomized controlled trials that explicitly measured aggression, spanning nearly three decades and involving a total of 3,918 participants. The researchers found a modest but significant reduction in aggression, with an overall reduction of 16.2% when considering independent samples, and this increased slightly to 20.4% and 27.8% when considering independent studies and laboratories, respectively.
The study found that omega-3 supplementation was effective for both reactive aggression (impulsive, emotional responses) and proactive aggression (planned, goal-directed behavior). The findings provide evidence that increased omega-3, either through supplements or fish, can help reduce aggressive behavior. However, the effect sizes are modest, indicating that omega-3 is not a cure-all for aggressive behavior.
The study also found a lack of evidence for publication bias, which strengthens the validity of the conclusions. The researchers noted that more research is needed to determine whether the benefits of omega-3 supplementation persist over the long term. Future research could also explore the mechanisms by which omega-3 affects aggression, as it is likely that its effects are mediated by changes in brain structure and function.
Adrian Raine, the study author and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that while the findings are promising, omega-3 is not a panacea for aggression. He also expressed interest in exploring whether omega-3 supplementation can reduce recidivism in prisoners and whether the benefits persist over the long term. Raine also emphasized the additional psychological and physical benefits of omega-3 supplementation and the ease of implementation, suggesting that the time has come to both implement omega-3 supplementation in practice and continue to scientifically investigate its longer-term efficacy.
