Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Decrease Aggression In Children

Researchers have found that omega-3 fatty acids, together with vitamins and mineral supplements in the diets of children can reduce extreme aggression in children in the short term. This was especially true for aggression that is more impulsive and emotional.

According to The Health Site, omega-3 fatty acids can be naturally found in fatty fish, like tuna, in seafood and in a number of nuts and seeds. The study on omega-3 fatty acids and aggressive behavior in children was conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Omega-3 Study Originally Done In Mauritius

Adrian Raine, the Richard Perry University Professor of Criminology, Psychology and Psychiatry had previously run a study in Mauritius, wherein one group of adolescents received omega-3 supplements for six months while another group received none. The children who took omega-3 supplements had decreased aggressive and antisocial behavior.

Raine decided to take the study to Philadelphia, seeking for "more broadly applicable outcomes," according to EurekAlert. Raine partnered with several University of Pennsylvania faculty members. 

Omega-3 Study In Philadelphia Had Four Groups

Psych Central reported that the new study involved 290 11- to 12-year-olds who had a history of violence. The first group took omega-3 juice, multivitamins and calcium for three months. The second group took part in weekly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) divided between time with the child, parent and both together.

The third group had supplements and CBT while the last group was given information and resources that aimed to lower their aggression. The researchers took blood samples to measure the omega-3 levels in every participant at the beginning and the end of the study. 

When the participants were first checked, those who were taking omega-3 and undergoing CBT had less aggression than the control group and the CBT-only group. At the end of the study, positive effects were nowhere to be found.

What do you think should be fed to children with aggressive behavior? Share your thoughts below.

 

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