The CNP Diet and Violence Research Category consolidates research exploring the interdependent relationship between dietary intake and violence. To view each original study on the open internet, click “Original.” To view the CNP-written abstract summary, click “CNP Summary.” While only some of the CNP-written abstract summaries are available below for free, all abstract summaries are available to CNP members through the CNP Library Membership.
In this 2013 study, Gesch tests the hypothesis that poor diet is one of the factors that predispose an individual to develop antisocial behaviors. This study supplied violent young adult prisoners between the ages of 18-21 with food supplements to ensure consumption of nutrients that were lacking before. The supplement capsules contained the daily requirements of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. The 231 volunteers were randomly selected to either receive the supplement capsule or a placebo. The number of offenses committed by each prisoner before and while taking the supplement was documented. Those prisoners who were given nutrients committed significantly (26.3%) fewer offenses than those who consumed the placebo. There was also a 37% reduction in the number of most serious crimes committed by the inmates given real supplements. Furthermore, another double-blind study conducted by the Dutch Ministry of Justice replicated these findings. Further replication would confirm a simple and humane way to reduce and prevent violence and antisocial behaviour. This study supports providing people in jail with a more nutritious diet since the only risk is better health. [NPID: violence, antisocial, loneliness, prison, prisoners, fatty acids]
Nutrition availability for those incarcerated in jail: Implications for mental health
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Omega-3 supplementation, child antisocial behavior, and psychopathic personality: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, stratified, parallel group trial
Association of breakfast intake with psychiatric distress and violent behaviors in Iranian children and adolescents: The CASPIAN- IV Study
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Influence of supplementary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids on the antisocial behaviour of young adult prisoners. Randomised, placebo-controlled trial
The effect of dietary supplementation on aggressive behaviour in Australian adult male prisoners: A feasibility and pilot study for a randomised, double blind placebo controlled trial
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Violence exposure and adolescents' same-day obesogenic behaviors: New findings and a replication
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Violence, aggression and our food
The bully-victim overlap and nutrition among school-aged youth in North America and Europe
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Adolescence: Does good nutrition = good behaviour?