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

Nutrients

David Webster¹  Natalie Parletta¹  Marijka Batterham¹  Luke Grant¹  Donna Crawford²  ColinH. Cortie³  Gayle Thomas³  MitchellK. Byrne⁴  Jean Dally⁵  AnneMarie Martin⁵  PiaC. Winberg⁵  Carole Collier⁵  BarbaraJ. Meyer⁵  Karen Chapman⁶ 

[1] Australia;Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia;School of Medicine, Lipid Research Centre, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;South Coast Correctional Centre, Nowra, NSW 2541;Venus Shell Systems and Shoalhaven Marine & Freshwater Centre, University of Wollongong, Nowra, NSW 2541, Australia;

关键词: n-3 LCPUFA;    aggressive behaviour;    omega-3 index;    prisoners;    diet;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu12092617

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a nutrition trial in adult male prisoners. Adult male prisoners were recruited for a 16-week randomised control trial comparing the effect of ingestion of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) and multivitamin supplements versus placebo on aggressive behaviour. The baseline and post-intervention assessments from the participant blood samples were the erythrocyte n-3 LCPUFA levels as well as measures of aggressive behaviour determined through institutional records of misconduct (IRM), the Inmate Behaviour Observation Scale (IBOS), and questionnaires. A total of 136 adult male prisoners consented to the study with a retention rate of 60%, and 93% of blood samples were successfully collected. The IRM and IBOS scores were collected for 100% of participants, whilst 82–97% of participants completed the questionnaires. From the baseline data, the Odds Ratio shows that prisoners are 4.3 times more likely to have an IBOS >2 if they are below the 6% cut off on the omega-3 index. Both groups improved across all outcome measures and, at the current sample size, no significant differences were seen between them. A power calculation suggests a total sample size of 600 participants is required to detect the effects of this dietary supplementation, and that this supplementation study is feasible in a Correctional Centre. Important criteria for the exclusion and consideration of logistics and compliance are presented.

【 授权许可】

Unknown