Influence of supplementary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids on the antisocial behaviour of young adult prisoners

Study answer

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.

View full study detailsView sourceOpen PDF

Original abstract