(22-05-13) DHA from fish oil improves aggression and impulsivity

by Randall Neustaedter OMD

(NaturalNews) A study of the effect of DHA and vitamin supplements on
aggressive and impulsive behaviors showed that DHA, but not the vitamins, had a
positive effect.

The study group included 200 young men, with an average age of 20 years, with
no history of antisocial behavior. They were given 672 mg of DHA per day for 12
weeks. Test subjects were administered several tests before and after the
supplementation period that actively measure aggressive and impulsive
responses. These tests were primarily games that evaluated the ability to
suppress impulsive reactions or measure impatience or the degree of aggressive
responses to a stressful animation.

Results of the study showed significant improvement in scores after the DHA
supplementation period.

These findings confirm previous studies that evaluated impulsivity and
aggressive responses when assessed by questionnaires. This is the first study
that observed the effects directly during testing situations. It also confirms
the assumption and observation that DHA supplements improve attention functions
in children.

Aggression and impulsivity are common symptoms in children and adolescents
with a range of disruptive or antisocial behaviors and diagnoses. Children with
attention problems (ADHD), autistic spectrum disorders (ASD,) and oppositional
behavior all may exhibit easy frustration, intolerance, aggressive outbursts,
lack of self-control, and poor impulse control.

A holistic approach

DHA supplementation is a simple way to enhance brain function and alleviate
these symptoms without resorting to dangerous pharmaceutical drugs. Stimulant
medications such as Adderall, Focalin, and Concerta commonly used for these
children often produce significant side effects including sleep disturbance,
nervous tics, and appetite suppression. Other serotonin enhancing drugs such as
Zoloft and Prozac used to treat these children have serious side effects
including aggravation of violent impulses and suicidal behavior.

Other holistic methods to enhance attention functions and reduce aggressive
behavior in children include fortifying serotonin with tryptophan or its
analogue 5HTP, decreasing glutamate levels with the amino acid theanine, and
using homeopathic medicines. Seek out a holistic pediatric specialist who can
develop a safe management plan for ADHD, ASD and related problems in children.

Reference

Sara-Jayne Long, David Benton. A double-blind trial of the effect of
docosahexaenoic acid and vitamin and mineral supplementation on aggression,
impulsivity, and stress. Human Pharmacology. Article first published online: 29
APR 2013

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