Oxford physiologist Bernard Gesch has a peace-keeping suggestion: feed criminals a balanced diet. He and his colleagues gave vitamin supplements and other micronutrients to a group of 82 prisoners, and compared their behavior to that of 90 convicts who received placebos.
The well-nourished committed 35 percent fewer infractions than those in the placebos group. "Nutrients are necessary for biological functioning," says Gesch.
Could some violent acts be a symptom of malnutrition? Omega-3 fatty acids appear to increase the cellular ability to absorb serotonin. Low levels of this neurotransmitter are associated with depression and aggression. B vitamins and minerals such as chromium and zinc are necessary to use glucose; a metabolism with insufficient glucose appears to cause a propensity for violent behavior.
"We have seriously underestimated the importance of health and nutrition in a crucial area: mental health and behavior," says Gesch.
The researcher proposes that nutrition programs may help reduce violence in prisons, and, more importantly, may prevent the development of violent behavior among children.
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