“….if we really wanted to reduce recidivism [re-offending] rates, we need to change food access in prisons. Violent prison crime can be dramatically reduced by providing a healthy diet to prisoners. One study of 3,000 incarcerated youth replaced snack foods with healthier options and dramatically reduced refined and sugary foods. Over the twelve-month follow-up there was a 21 percent reduction in antisocial behavior, a 25 percent reduction in assaults, and a 75 percent reduction in the use of restraints.” Dr Mark Hyman.

Spot-on, I’d say. I recall reading about this study yonks ago and not being at all surprised. And that’s just changing their diet.

If you’re interested in the link between diet and violent behaviour – not just in prisons – then this article in Psychology Today a few years ago now is also interesting – it also references studies where they gave supplements to improve inmates’ nutrient levels:

Diet and Violence

Does diet affect our criminal behavior?

For me, if anyone is displaying violent or aggressive behaviour – children or adults, I would always look to their diet, nutrient and neurotransmitter levels as a starting point. I have seen changes in diet and a wellbeing type supplement protocol work wonders. Not in all cases, of course, it is far more complex than that, but some change has to be good, doesn’t it?