Aggressive Behavior. 36:117-126
Effects of nutritional supplements on aggression, rule-breaking, and psychopathology among young adult prisoners
Zaalberg A, Nijman H, Bulten E, Stroosma L, van der Staak C
ABSTRACT
In an earlier study, improvement of dietary status with food supplements led to a reduction in antisocial behavior among prisoners. Based on these earlier findings, a study of the effects of food supplements on aggression, rule-breaking, and psychopathology was conducted among young Dutch prisoners. Two hundred and twenty-one young adult prisoners (mean age=21.0, range 18-25 years) received nutritional supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids or placebos, over a period of 1-3 months. As in the earlier (British) study, reported incidents were significantly reduced (P=.017, one-tailed) in the active condition (n=115), as compared with placebo (n=106). Other assessments, however, revealed no significant reductions in aggressiveness or psychiatric symptoms. As the incidents reported concerned aggressive and rule-breaking behavior as observed by the prison staff, the results are considered to be promising. However, as no significant improvements were found in a number of other (self-reported) outcome measures, the results should be interpreted with caution.
Commento
Secondo un trial clinico randomizzato e condotto in doppio cieco, integratori a base di omega-3, vitamine e minerali possono ridurre il numero di episodi violenti e aggressivi nei detenuti (riduzione del 34% degli episodi di violenza). Come già dimostrato in uno studio precedente condotto in Inghilterra, l’assunzione di integratori a base di acidi grassi e micronutrienti sono in grado di ridurre episodi di violenza da parte di oltre il 39% di giovani violenti. La supplementazione di queste sostanze, quindi, ha effetti benefici sulla salute mentale e sulla funzione cognitiva: esiste quindi uno stretto legame tra dieta e salute mentale.
