Influence of supplementary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids on the antisocial behaviour of young adult prisoners. Randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
There is evidence that offenders consume diets lacking in essential nutrients and this could adversely affect their behaviour.


OBJECTIVE
To test empirically if physiologically adequate intakes of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids cause a reduction in antisocial behaviour.


METHODS
Experimental, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised 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 behaviour in prisons, including violence, are reduced by vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids with similar implications for those eating poor diets in the community.
Gesch
C Bernard
CB
University Laboratory of Physiology, University of Oxford, UK.
Hammond
Sean M
SM
Hampson
Sarah E
SE
Eves
Anita
A
Crowder
Martin J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D014131:Trace Elements; D014815:Vitamins