Can Fish Oil Pills Correct Bad Behavior In Teens?

Teens who behave badly could show some improvements in their behavior if they take in more fish oil in their diet. A new study suggests that teenagers who get supplements from fish oil pills can turn their bad behavior around. However, other experts are challenging the findings.

The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition and conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, observed 196 teenager for a 12-week period. The group was divided into two, with one group receiving a better diet plan, including omega-3 supplements or fish oil pills and vitamins, while the other group was given a placebo.

Omega-3 Fish Oil - Helps to support a healthy brain. It also helps enhance mental performance and healthy moods and behavior.
— Dr. Michael Zdilla (@ZDILLADC) October 6, 2012

Fish Oil Pills, Diet Analysis And Teens' Behavior

At the beginning of the study, the researchers analyzed the kids' diet and noted that at least 30 percent ate junk food like chips, carbonated drinks and pizza. They also ate less fruits and vegetables and didn't like to eat fish. Hence, they were provided with the fish oil pills.

The researchers took blood samples from the teenagers to measure changes in their body chemistry. The researchers also took note of any changes in their behavior using the Conner's disruptive behavior scale. This is a scientific tool for assessing disorder in children and teens, per the National Institutes of Health.

The researchers saw that the group of teenagers given fish oil pills had positive behavior changes. However, some experts point out that the study still lacks meaningful evidence. The difference of the effects of the fish oil pills is minimal.

From fish oil to zinc; brain training to behavior therapy -- the wide range of options for treating ADHD w/out meds: https://t.co/IzOBSiy2jq — ADDitudeMag (@ADDitudeMag) May 29, 2014

Fish Oil Pills Effect Non-Conclusive

"The change in disruptive behavior was weak, going from a rating of 53.3 before they took the supplement to 52.4," said nutrition expert Professor John Beattie, per Daily Mail. Another nutrition expert pointed out that fish oil pills or omega-3 fatty acids should take effect in full within 18 weeks of regular ingestion.

"Taking supplements may be of benefit for some teenagers and children who don't have access to an adequate diet," said Anna Daniels of the British Dietetic Association in the same report. "But there is no evidence of a benefit in healthy people."

However, this is not the first time that fish oil has been linked to improved behavior as previous studies done in 2007 have supported the same results, per San Francisco Gate. Study lead author Jonathan D. Tammam said that his team plans to expand their research to test hypothesis further.

This was undertaken in order to find convincing arguments for governments and concerned agencies to improve their policies on nutrition and public health, especially if this affects school kids. Do you think fish oil could really help manage teenage behavior? Sound off below!