Researchers at the University of Toronto have found that vitamin and mineral supplements can help reduce aggressive behavior in children and teens. Review published in the journal Aggression and Violent Behavior.
Prolonged severe aggression in children and adolescents can lead to mental disorders. Psychotherapy is used to treat aggression and psychiatric medications are used if it doesn’t help. But little is known about the effectiveness of dietary supplements.
The scientists reviewed 22 studies. Food additives were defined as any industrial product containing micronutrients, macronutrients, or a combination of both. The mean supplementation time was 14.8 weeks.
Seven studies reported beneficial effects of dietary supplements on aggressive behavior in children and adolescents. These studies used vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, or a combination of these nutrients as supplements.
Eight studies reported no significant benefit of dietary supplements for aggression. Fish oils (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), omega-3 fatty acids and essential fatty acids, vitamin D or L-tryptophan were used as dietary supplements in these studies.
Seven studies reported mixed effects of dietary supplements. Supplements used in these studies were vitamin B6, fatty acids and vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids or carnitine.
Scientists believe that many dietary supplements can be useful in the treatment of aggression, but so far the available data on the effectiveness of single dietary supplements are inconclusive. The authors also noted that diets also have potential in the treatment of aggression, so their effectiveness should be evaluated in the future.