Fish-Oil Fatty Acids Linked to Broad Reductions in Aggression, Large Meta-Analysis Shows

A meta-analysis of 29 randomized trials (3,918 participants, 1996–2024) finds omega-3 supplementation modestly reduces aggression—up to 28% in the strongest lab-based estimate—across age groups, sexes, diagnoses, durations, and doses, with both reactive and proactive aggression affected. Proposed mechanisms include anti-inflammatory effects, changes to neuronal membrane composition, and maintained prefrontal cortex function. While not a magic bullet, the intervention is safe and cheap, with potential implications for parenting, correctional facilities, and public health, though adoption may be slowed by cultural biases against nutritional explanations of violence.