New Delhi: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha triggered a political debate on Monday after announcing a ban on the sale of meat and fish near schools and religious places. He said the measure was intended to curb what he termed “violent tendencies” among children.
The decision has since sparked a broader discussion about diet and its influence on behaviour. It raises a key question: does eating meat and fish actually contribute to aggression in children?
The claim is not new. Sections of the Hindu right wing have periodically argued that meat consumption fosters aggression and moral decline. However, scientific evidence does not support a direct link between a non-vegetarian diet and violent behaviour.
Nutrition experts point out that meat - particularly red meat and fish - contains nutrients essential for brain health and emotional regulation. For instance, meat is a source of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood stability and calmness. Clinical research has linked low serotonin levels - not high - to increased aggression and impulsivity.
Fish, widely consumed in Bihar, is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been studied for their role in reducing aggression, anxiety and depression. Research, including studies conducted by scientists at the US National Institutes of Health and findings published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, has suggested that omega-3 supplementation may help lower instances of violent behaviour in certain settings.
Deficiencies in key nutrients commonly derived from animal protein may, in fact, have adverse behavioural effects. Iron and Vitamin B12 deficiencies - prevalent among children in India - are associated with irritability, fatigue, poor concentration and mood disturbances. Zinc deficiency has also been linked to heightened anxiety and behavioural challenges in children, according to paediatric nutrition research and global health assessments.
Sinha clarified that the ban is not targeted at any particular community. Bihar has a large non-vegetarian population and produces substantial quantities of meat and fish annually, reflecting the deep cultural and economic significance of these foods in the state.
As the debate continues, experts emphasise that children’s behaviour is shaped by a complex interplay of social, psychological, environmental and biological factors - and cannot be attributed to a single component of their diet.
