Influence of supplementary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids on the antisocial behavior of young adult prisoners
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: There is evidence that offenders consume diets lacking in essential nutrients and this could adversely affect their behavior.
AIMS: To test empirically if physiologically adequate intakes of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids cause a reduction in antisocial behavior.
METHOD: Experimental, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of nutritional supplements on 231 young adult prisoners, comparing disciplinary offences before and during supplementation.
RESULTS: Compared with placebos, those receiving the active capsules committed an average of 26.3% (95% CI 8.3-44.33%) fewer offences (P=0.03, two-tailed). Compared to baseline, the effect on those taking active supplements for a minimum of 2 weeks (n=172) was an average 35.1% (95% CI 16.3-53.9%) reduction of offences (P<0.001, two-tailed), whereas placebos remained within standard error.
CONCLUSIONS: Antisocial behavior in prisons, including violence, are reduced by vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids with similar implications for those eating poor diets in the community.
Randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Gesch CB, Hammond SM, Hampson SE, Eves A, Crowder MJ:
Br J Psychiatry 181:22-28, 2002 12091259
