Pathological Aggression & Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may have an ameliorating effect on aggressive behavior according to reviews published in the 2005 and 2006 journals of Reproductive Nutrition Development and the International Review of Psychiatry, respectively. While genetic and environmental factors clearly play a role in determining aggressive tendencies, incomplete brain development due to low levels of the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during the fetal stage and first year of life may also contribute to such problems later on.

Aggression in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Justice reports that acts of aggression cost us an estimated $158 billion yearly in medical bills, loss of productivity and quality of life. Aggression has been classified by scientists as predatory aggression against other species, social aggression against the same species and defensive aggression in response to a threat. Social and defensive aggression are usually behind many of the stories of drive-by and school shootings, murder and muggings you hear of on the nightly news.

Brain Chemistry, Genetics and Environmental Influences

According to the Society for Neuroscience (SFN) there is no conclusive evidence to help determine whether environmental or genetic factors have the greater influence in aggressive behavior. The amygdala, a structure in the forebrain, has been identified as the primary control tower for violent tendencies, as it controls your emotions, particularly fear. Low levels of the brain chemical serotonin, as well as abnormalities in the gene responsible for the breakdown of serotonin, have also been linked to impulsive and aggressive behavior.

The Omega-3 Fatty Acid Connection

A 2005 analysis of pharmacological data relating to the treatment of various mental disorders in the Reproductive Nutrition Development journal reported that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil -- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) -- can reduce anger in substance abusers. Additionally, EPA has been shown to reduce aggression in those with borderline personality disorder. A 2006 article in the International Review of Psychiatry suggests that optimal intakes of omega-3 fatty acids during early development and adulthood can help prevent aggressive behavior.

Best Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish, particularly mackerel, salmon and sardine, offer you the highest concentrations of EPA and DHA. Pilchard, lake or rainbow trout, tuna, herring, anchovy and butterfish are also good sources. Capsulated fish oils are also another source; however, these often contain contaminants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides. Plant sources of omega-3s have an advantage over animal sources, however, in that there are fewer of these contaminants. The seeds of plants like flax, soybean, hemp, chia, pumpkin and rapeseed contain the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is slowly converted into the necessary DHA and EPA in your body. Walnuts, wheat and barley-grass products and a number of dark leafy greens are also good sources of ALA.

DHA and the Brain

In his 2002 edition of "Healing with Whole Foods," Paul Pitchford reviews a large body of research evidence on the role of DHA in brain development. DHA is a major structural component of the brain and is also found in sperm and the retina of the eye. Roughly 50 percent of the DHA in the brain is formed when a child is still in the womb and the remaining 50 percent gathers during the first year after birth. Low levels of DHA in mothers suggests that their infants are not reaching full mental development. Modern mothers may be deficient in DHA due to the common consumption of polyunsaturated vegetable oils, which, apart from being rancid and refined, contain linoleic acid, a chemical that inhibits the formation of DHA from ALA.