Linseed oil makes children more peaceful

There are a variety of causes behind children when they display aggressive aggressive behaviors. However, even a small change in diet can result in a significant change in behavior.

Is particularly aggressive behavior in children based on social factors or are there physical causes? "It's both, of course," says Jill Portnoy. "Biology and the social environment interact in a complex way that we are just beginning to understand."

In collaboration with his team at the University of Mbadachusetts Lowell, Portnoy explores the world of the world. impact that some diets may have on children's behaviors. In her current research, she's focused on omega-3 fatty acids – these are important building blocks in brain development that consists of 97 percent fatty acids.

Daily omega-3 fatty acids make children "more peaceful"

American researchers administered daily to children with behavioral problems a fruit drink containing omega-3 fatty acids or the same drink without fatty acids omega-3 added. Neither the children nor their parents nor the researchers knew which child was receiving which drink.

After six months, parents or caregivers of children in the omega-3 group reported a significant decline in aggressive behavior. This had an impact on family life as a whole: parents also talked less frequently and were less aggressive.

Previous research has suggested that taking omega-3s daily would make children "more peaceful". For example, a study published in 2016 proved this effect after only three months. However, this study also showed that fatty acids must be taken permanently to have a lasting effect: in this experiment, children only took them for six months – after which their original aggressive behavior returned.

Weight loss

The Atlas of fats – What are the fats needed for my body

How to consume omega-3 fats by the nutrition

Flaxseed oil is considered one of the best suppliers of omega-3 fatty acids. A tablespoon of linseed oil already contains significantly more omega-3 fatty acids than the fruit drink used in the study – and can be easily integrated into the daily diet: eg. in vinaigrettes or a cereal with oil of quark and flax.

Sources:
Portnoy, Jill, et al. (2018): Intimate partner reduction resulting from omega-3 fatty acid supplements in children: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, stratified, parallel-group trial in: Aggressive Behavior.

Raine, Adrian, et al. (2016): Nutritional supplementation to reduce child aggression: a randomized, stratified, single-blind, factorial trial in: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.