The Supplement That Science Says Could Make the World Less Angry

If you found out a supplement existed that could lower aggression, you would probably think it was something that would sedate you, like a sleep aid. In reality, it's one of the most commonly used supplements for overall health and wellness.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania analyzed 28 clinical trials (involving 3,918 people) to see whether omega-3 supplements reduce aggressive behavior. They found that omega-3 supplements had a modest improvement.

The most interesting part of the study was that the benefits held up across children and adults, males and females, community settings and clinical/prison settings, and across different diagnoses. Omega-3 clearly doesn't discriminate when it comes to reducing aggression.

The study looked at two forms of aggression: reactive (hot-headed, impulsive) and proactive (cold, calculated). Both were reduced by omega-3, with reactive aggression showing a slightly larger effect.

The aggression outcomes were self-reported but the authors of the research were comfortable stating that there is now enough evidence to begin using omega-3 supplementation as a tool to reduce aggression.

It clearly can't hurt, and with all of the other benefits omega-3 supplements provide you can rest assured you're getting something out of it.

Omega-3 supplements are cheap, widely available, and have a safety profile that even the FDA has signed off on at doses far higher than what these studies used. Whether you're looking to support your heart, your brain, or apparently your temper, the case for adding omega-3 to your daily routine just got stronger. It won't turn anyone into a saint overnight, but if the science suggests that something as simple as a fish oil capsule could take just a little bit of the edge off, why not give it a shot?

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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 6:15 PM.