Influence of supplementary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids on the antisocial behaviour of young adult prisoners
What this study found
Supplementation was associated with fewer disciplinary offences than placebo. Active treatment reduced offences by 26.3% (95% CI 8.3 to 44.33%; P=0.03), corresponding to 11.8 infringements per 1000 person-days. Among participants treated for at least 2 weeks (n=172), offences fell by 35.1% (95% CI 16.3 to 53.9%; P=0.001). Governor reports decreased by 37% and minor reports by 33.3%; no adverse reactions or withdrawals due to supplementation were reported. The authors concluded that vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids reduced antisocial behaviour in prison, including violence, while…
- Study & population
- Randomized placebo-controlled trial in young adult prisoners in the United Kingdom, with participants aged 18 years or older.
- Intervention
- The active regimen consisted of an oral daily supplement combining a vitamin/mineral capsule (Forceval) with essential fatty acids (Efamol Marine).
- Key limitation
- The trial was conducted in a prison setting, which limits generalizability to other populations.
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Open PDFOriginal abstract
Background There is evidence that offenders consume diets lacking in essential nutrients and this could adversely affect their behaviour. Aims To test empirically if physiologically adequate intakes of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids cause a reduction in antisocial behaviour. Method 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.