Had to pick myself up off the floor with this discovery. I could not believe it that a mainline academic institution would allow an article like this to be printed. I mean, how could the University of Massachusetts publicly admit that functional doctor’s like myself were right about omega 3’s and childhood aggressive behavior.
I have seen the benefits in children for a number of years. Omega 3’s play an important role in the brain development and function of children through teens. Whenever parents bring children with autism symptoms, ADHD symptoms, behavioral changes or other mental health concerns, Omega 3’s from fish oils almost always make the short list of therapies I know can benefit these families. Omega 3’s combine with a low inflammatory diet and other nutraceutical therapies to restore children’s neurological health
Researchers in this study reported decreased levels of aggressive behavior in children taking omega 3’s versus those that did not. I would like to examine the full paper, but can only read the abstract for now. That leaves me to consider mechanisms of how Omega 3’s might work in this situation. Likely several mechanisms combine to produce this positive effect. First, since nerve cells need healthy cell membranes, the EPA and DHA forms of omega 3’s likely improved this basic cell health factor. Healthy nerve cells mean better neurotransmitter balance and thus better mood in general.
Second, omega 3’s lower inflammation wherever they are found. Given the multiple studies showing links between inflammation and brain disease, this is a definite potential mechanism for action in these children. I wonder if the study further combined an anti-inflammatory diet free of processed food, would the outcomes have been even more impressive.
Functional MD’s like myself smile as conventional medicine has to admit we have been right about these health issues. Whether it is the role of gut bacteria in our health or the benefits of nutraceuticals for childhood neuropsychiatric disorders, we are helping children live a healthier more abundant life. Call our office today to learn more how we can help your child with these medical conditions.
Referenced Paper
Jill Portnoy, Adrian Raine, Jianghong Liu, Joseph R. Hibbeln. Reductions of intimate partner violence resulting from supplementing children with omega-3 fatty acids: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, stratified, parallel-group trial. Aggressive Behavior, 2018; DOI: 10.1002/ab.21769
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
