Los Angeles – Omega-3 supplementation could reduce disruptive, even abusive behaviour
in children, according to newly released research by UMass Lowell, a U.S. national research university.
“This is a promising line of research because omega-3 fatty acids are thought to improve brain health in
children and adults,” Jill Portnoy, an assistant professor in UMass Lowell’s School of Criminology
and Justice Studies, said.
“There is more to be learned about the benefits, but if we can improve people’s brain health and behavior
in the process, that’s a really big plus.”
According to the new research, published in the scholarly journal Aggressive Behavior, giving children
omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduces disruptive behavior, which in turn had a positive effect on
their parents, making them less likely to argue with each other and engage in other verbal abuse.
In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, stratified, parallel group trial, a community
sample of children were randomized to receive either a fruit drink containing 1 gm of omega-3 fats or
the same fruit drink without omega-3.
According to the research, child participants, adult caregivers, and research staff were blinded to
group assignment.
The result of the study is the first to show that omega-3 supplementation in children can reduce inter-partner
psychological aggression among adult caregivers not receiving supplements.
The new study is just one example of how Portnoy is studying biological and social factors that can help
explain and predict impulsive and risky behaviour.
The goal is to help determine effective ways to intervene before anti-social behavior escalates into crime,
according to the study.
“Biology and social environment interact in complex ways that we’re just beginning to figure out. Before
we can design effective interventions, we need to do research to understand what’s happening,” said
Portnoy.