Penn Meta-Analysis Finds Omega-3 Cuts Aggression Up to 28% Across 29 Trials

3 articles · Updated · spacedaily.com · May 25

29 randomized trials involving 3,918 participants found omega-3 supplementation produced a statistically significant drop in aggression, with effects ranging from 16% to 28% rather than eliminating violent behavior.
The reduction held across age, sex, diagnosis, dose and treatment length, and appeared in both reactive and premeditated aggression—an unusually consistent pattern for a nutritional intervention.
Researchers said the mechanism is still unclear, but pointed to anti-inflammatory effects, changes to neuronal membranes and possible support for the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate impulse control.
Lead author Adrian Raine argued the evidence now supports practical use in communities, clinics and criminal justice settings, framing omega-3 as a cheap, safe add-on rather than a standalone fix.

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