Could your diet make you violent?
The Guardian reports and Clayton Cramer’s blog has summarized the research on a potential link between an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and increased violence.
Here’s the evidence so far.
- In the UK, imprisoned young men fed multivitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids had a 37% decrease in violent offences
- Also in the UK, fish oil improved the behavior and reduced aggression among children with severe behavioral difficulties
- In the U.S., 30 patients with violent records given omega-3 supplements had one-third less hostility and irritability, regardless of whether they were relapsing and drinking again
On the other hand, kids without behavioral problems don’t respond to omega-3 rich diets in the same way.
The links above discuss the potential mechanisms. It’s related to omega-6, “The Queen of Fats,” which was discussed here before
If a small percentage of our population has a serious inability to control rage because of a dietary problem, it’s something to fix.
It also raises lots of legal questions — even resurrecting the “Twinkie Defense.” Is it a justification for breaking the law? Should offenders be sentenced to jail and/or dietary counseling? Can you incarcerate someone who has a “proven” dietary deficiency?
Who is ultimately responsible for your eating habits?
10/19/06 10:43 JR
