A recent study suggests that omega-3 supplementation may improve child behavior and subsequently improve aggression in parents who are not taking the supplements. The researchers theorized that the improved behavior in the children led to less stress and therefore less aggression on the part of the parents.

Participants in the study included 200 children and their caregivers. The children were randomly assigned to consume either a fruit drink containing 1 gram of omega-3s or the same fruit drink without omega-3s for six months. The caregivers reported inter-partner and child-directed physical assault and psychological aggression at the beginning of the study, at the end of the intervention period, and again at the end of 12 months.

After examining the data, the researchers found a correlation between omega-3 supplementation and reductions in psychological aggression. They also found a correlation between adult psychological aggression and improvements in child externalizing behavior scores.

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Lowell led the study. It was published on May 20, 2018, in the journal Aggressive Behavior.

Because omega-3 fatty-acids are not found naturally in the human body, it is especially important to make sure that they are a part of your daily diet. Oily, dark fish such as tuna and salmon are high in omega-3s. For people who don’t like fish, consider taking a daily high quality non-fish supplement that has been tested for purity and potency.