One Nutrient Shown to Cut Aggression by Up to 28%

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Monday, July 21st 2025 at 11:00 am

Written By: 

GreenMedInfo Research Group

Aggression is often blamed on hormones, upbringing, or psychiatric illness--but what if the root cause lies in something far simpler: a nutritional deficiency? A groundbreaking meta-analysis published in Aggression and Violent Behavior (2024) shows that omega-3 fatty acids--commonly found in fish oil--can significantly reduce aggression across age groups, genders, and settings. And this wasn't a one-off: the conclusion comes from 29 randomized controlled trials, covering nearly 4,000 participants over three decades.

In a society where behavioral disorders are increasingly medicated with powerful, often risky psychiatric drugs, this new research is a wake-up call. We do not need more pills--we may just need more fish oil, or better yet, consuming more omega-3 fatty acid rich foods in general.

The Myth

Aggression is purely psychological or hormonal--and can only be managed with pharmaceuticals or therapy.

For decades, the dominant medical narrative has framed aggression as a psychological or biochemical disorder best treated with SSRIs, antipsychotics, or cognitive behavioral therapy. Nutritional solutions have been dismissed as fringe or supplementary at best.

It Feels True

The pharmaceutical industry has trained us to believe that complex behaviors require complex--and often expensive--chemical interventions. Aggression, especially in clinical or forensic settings, is seen as too serious to be addressed with "just food." Plus, omega-3's association with heart health has obscured its profound neurological effects.

The Hidden Harms or Overlooked Truths

This myth ignores mounting evidence linking poor nutrition--particularly omega-3 deficiency--to increased aggression. Low intake of EPA and DHA impairs brain function, especially in the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for self-control, impulse regulation, and emotional modulation.

Moreover, many common medications may worsen aggression, not improve it:

• Statin drugs, especially in women, have been repeatedly associated with increased aggression and irritability.
• Fluoxetine (Prozac) and other SSRIs have been shown to increase aggression in animals and possibly in some human contexts.
• Sugar-sweetened beverages and trans fats have also been experimentally linked to heightened aggression and irritability.

What the Research Really Says

Omega-3 Supplementation Reduces Aggressive Behavior: A Meta-Analytic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Adrian Raine & Lia Brodrick
Aggression and Violent Behavior, 2024

• Study Design: Meta-analysis of 29 RCTs
• Sample Size: 3,918 participants, across 35 independent samples
• Effect Size: Average g = 0.22 (modest but significant reduction)
• Scope: Effective in children and adults, across self-reported and observed aggression
• Types of Aggression Reduced: Both reactive (impulsive) and proactive (planned)

"There is now sufficient evidence to begin to implement omega-3 supplementation to reduce aggression in children and adults--irrespective of whether the setting is the community, the clinic, or the criminal justice system." - Raine & Brodrick, 2024

Real-World Translation:

This roughly equates to a 10-28% reduction in aggressive behavior--without side effects, dependency risk, or contraindications.

What the GreenMedInfo Research Database Says

GreenMedInfo.com has identified 25 peer-reviewed studies linking various natural substances to the modulation of aggression. Here are 10 of the most relevant findings:

Top Natural Modulators of Aggression:

1. Cholesterol - Low levels correlate with increased violent behavior, impulsivity, and suicidality.
2. Tryptophan - Low plasma levels are associated with heightened aggression, especially in men.
3. Lavender - Aromatherapy reduced aggression in elderly dementia patients.
4. Peppermint - Essential oil aroma reduced aggressive driving behaviors in adults.
5. Loving-Kindness Meditation - Reduced anger and emotional reactivity in pain patients.
6. Anapanasati Meditation - Improved verbal aggression outcomes in clinical settings.
7. Statins - Repeatedly linked to neuropsychiatric adverse effects, including aggression and irritability.
8. Energy Drinks - Associated with higher bar aggression and psychological distress in military populations.
9. Trans Fats - Strongly linked to increased irritability and aggression.
10. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages - Promote brain inflammation and aggression in animal models.

Mechanism of Action: How Omega-3 Quiets the Violent Brain

Think of DHA as brain insulation and EPA as anti-inflammatory coolant. Together, they:

• Regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine
• Calm inflammation in the prefrontal cortex
• Stabilize neuronal membranes
• Support healthy emotional regulation, impulse control, and decision-making

Without omega-3s, the brain's impulse control system runs hot, fast, and without brakes.

Real-World Applications

Recommended Dosage:

• Most clinical trials used 1-2 grams/day of combined EPA + DHA.
• Choose molecularly distilled fish oil or algae-based omega-3s for purity.

Additional Tips:

• Replace processed seed oils (rich in omega-6s) with traditional fats like coconut oil or ghee.
• Add more fatty fish (wild salmon, sardines) or omega-3-enriched pasture-raised eggs.
• Avoid trans fats, sugary drinks, and statins unless absolutely medically necessary.

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Final Thought

The new science is clear: nutrition isn't optional for mental health--it's foundational. Instead of waiting for another pharmaceutical fix, let's return to the wisdom of our ancestors. Food is medicine. And in the case of omega-3s, it may also be the best anger management tool we've got.

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References

1. Golomb, B. A., Dimsdale, J. E., Koslik, H. J., Evans, M. A., Lu, X., Rossi, S., Mills, P. J., White, H. L., & Criqui, M. H. (2015). Statin effects on aggression: Results from the UCSD Statin Study, a randomized control trial. PLOS One, 10(7), e0124451. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26132393

2. Golomb, B. A., Kane, T., & Dimsdale, J. E. (2004). Severe irritability associated with statin cholesterol-lowering drugs. QJM, 97(4), 229-235. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15028853

3. Wolkers, C. P. B., Serra, M., Barbosa Júnior, A., & Urbinati, E. C. (2017). Acute fluoxetine treatment increases aggressiveness in juvenile matrinxã. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 43(3), 755-759. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28013422

4. Mamiya, P. C., Matray-Devoti, J., Fisher, H., & Wagner, G. C. (2017). Mice increased target biting behaviors 24h after co-administration of alcohol and fluoxetine. Brain Research, 1662, 110-115. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28193480

5. Choi, J.-Y., Park, M.-N., Kim, C.-S., Lee, Y.-K., Choi, E. Y., Chun, W. Y., & Shin, D.-M. (2017). Sugar-sweetened beverages promote aggressive behaviours in animals. Scientific Reports, 7, 45693. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28393871

6. Golomb, B. A., Evans, M. A., White, H. L., & Dimsdale, J. E. (2012). Trans fat consumption and aggression. PLOS One, 7(3), e32175. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22403632

7. Golomb, B. A. (1998). Low cholesterol and violent behavior. Annals of Internal Medicine, 128(6), 478-487. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9499332

8. Bjork, J. M., Dougherty, D. M., Moeller, F. G., & Swann, A. C. (2000). Plasma tryptophan and aggression in men. Neuropsychopharmacology, 22(4), 357-369. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10700655

9. Lee, S.-Y. (2005). Lavender aromatherapy reduces aggression in elderly patients with dementia. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 35(2), 303-312. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15860944 and Moss, M., Ho, J., Swinburne, S., & Turner, A. (2023). Peppermint aroma reduces aggressive driving behaviour. Human Psychopharmacology, 38(2), e2865. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36799100

10. Sivaramappa, B., Deshpande, S., Kumar, P. V. G., & Nagendra, H. R. (2019). Anapanasati meditation reduces verbal aggression. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 36, 77-81. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31383449 and Carson, J. W., Keefe, F. J., Lynch, T. R., Carson, K. M., Goli, V., Fras, A. M., & Thorp, S. R. (2005). Loving-kindness meditation for pain and anger in chronic back pain patients. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 23(3), 287-304. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16049118