Don't slap the fish: The relationship between dietary omega-3 intake and physical aggression is mediated by motor inhibition in response to distressed faces

The innate violence inhibition mechanism (VIM) purportedly regulates maladaptive aggressive behavior through motor inhibition, in response to expressions of distress, and is implicated psychopathy-related aggression. Deficiency eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; an omega-3 fatty acid) aggression callous-unemotional (CU) traits, however, its relationship the VIM remains unknown. Two studies tested relationships between EPA intake, personality (aggression, CU traits), electrophysiological indices VIM. In study one (N = 98), participants completed intake (FFQ), traits (ICU), (BPAQ) measures. Physical correlated positively with callousness negatively intake. were unrelated EPA. two 47), same measures electroencephalography assessment Stop-P300 amplitude (motor success) facial distress mediated physical This first demonstration association electroencephalographic Findings support a role regulating networks involved distress-cued executive control over behavior; provide supporting data direct future trial designs for nutritional supplementation non-clinical, clinical forensic arenas.