Nicholas Vincent is a passionate environmentalist and freelance writer. He is deeply committed to promoting... Nicholas Vincent is a passionate environmentalist and freelance writer. He is deeply committed to promoting sustainability and finding solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Read more about Nicholas Vincent Read More
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Omega-3 supplements—best known for supporting heart and brain health—could also be helping people stay calm and less aggressive. According to a 2024 meta-analysis highlighted by ScienceAlert and published in Aggression and Violent Behavior, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce aggression by up to 28%.
The team examined 29 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 4,000 participants. The results showed that omega-3s had a consistent, modest effect on reducing both reactive (spur-of-the-moment) and proactive (premeditated) aggression. Participants ranged from children to seniors, and the benefits were observed across different doses and treatment durations, with the average trial lasting about 16 weeks.
This isn’t the first time omega-3s have been linked to improved mental health. Previous studies have suggested their role in reducing schizophrenia risk and antisocial behavior. Neurocriminologist Adrian Raine, who co-led the study, says the time has come to consider omega-3 as a tool for promoting emotional balance in various settings—from homes and schools to prisons.
While more long-term studies are needed, the mechanism behind omega-3’s calming effect might lie in its anti-inflammatory properties and Support for brain function. Of course, the current go-to form—fish oil—raises ethical and environmental concerns. Industrial fishing and fish farming contribute to ocean depletion and ecosystem damage. Thankfully, algae-based omega-3 supplements offer a planet- and animal-friendly alternative.
If you’re looking for a way to Support your mental wellness without harming marine life, skip the fish oil and opt for plant-based omega-3s instead, (our favourite recommendation are these AMANDEAN Vegan Omega 3 Supplements!) It’s a simple change that’s good for you—and for the planet.
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