Increased propensity for violence and impaired social behaviour are not always psychologically interpretable phenomena. Also key micronutrient deficits can play a role. Concretely the Omega-3-Fatty-Acids, which occur in several specific foods. They make you cool, chilled-out, and relaxed.
Urban areas often see adolescent violence, which is associated with disturbed social behaviour. Among the development factors, which are usually psychological in nature, completely new research has been found – the lack of Omega-3 fatty acids. Their use could even be worthwhile in the case of ADHD (see article).
Fish and omega-3-rich food are often not on the menu of the Fast Food Generation.
Omega-3, but also omega-6 fatty acids are long-chain fatty acids that are essential for the regular development of the brain and the stabilization of certain processes (more information on the subject here). Unfortunately, they occur in relevant quantities almost only in certain fish and fish is extremely rare on the menu of the “fast food generation”. When there is a lack of omega-3 fatty acids, some people seem to get out of control.
Study with adolescents between 13 and 16 years of age
A study conducted by the University of Cambridge in 2016 attempted to track down this phenomenon in 196 young people between the ages of 13 and 16. They were given a preparation with two selected omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) in a dose of 281 mg per day and a multivitamin preparation for a period of 12 weeks.
Conners’ Teacher Ratings” and general records of disciplinary problems were used to record their behaviour and behavioural changes. At baseline, the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) Omega-3/Omega-6 and vitamins and minerals were low, but improved significantly during treatment.
Especially less disciplined adolescents benefited in their behaviour from an intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
At first, it seemed that with the duration of the school year, both the placebo group and the adolescents under treatment deteriorated in their behaviour. When, however, a separation was made between less and more undisciplined adolescents, a positive effect was seen in adolescents with higher lack of discipline.
Replacement of micronutrients shows effect
The authors pointed out that the young people tested were more disciplined, which makes the clear statistical identification of a positive effect considerably more difficult. This was particularly true for the disciplinary data of the schools; the feedback from the teachers showed a clearer protective effect against a deterioration in behaviour. Nevertheless, they generally assumed that the replacement of micronutrients had a positive effect.
For the future, one will therefore try to gain deeper insights into the problem by higher numbers of test persons and variation of the dosage – in particular the Omega-3-Fatty acids might play here the crucial role. The Omega-3-Fatty acids could thus really help people to chill out.
