The Crime-Nutrition Link

We all know that eating a balanced diet helps kids to develop and grow, but can nutritional deficiencies turn kids into criminals? It may not be that cut and dried, but studies now show that a lack of vitamins and nutrients can make someone more prone to substance abuse, crime, delinquency, learning disabilities, ADHD and lowered IQ or school performance.

Stephen J. Schoenthaler, PhD, Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice, California State University Stanislaus, has studied nutrition and behavior at juvenile and adult correctional facilities and in public schools, and the findings are astounding.

Vitamins and Violence

One study of juvenile delinquents and adult felons in five states found that the offenders with the worst behavior consumed the least vitamins and minerals. In California prisons, convicts with up to four nutritional deficiencies were 50 percent more likely to be involved in serious violent incidents, and those with five to nine nutrient deficiencies were 90 percent more likely to be involved in such incidents.

Fortunately, supplements and a change in diet can go a long way toward making a big difference. Schoenthaler says when this small change is made and blood chemistry is regulated, the rates of reoffending for convicted criminals drops dramatically. Conversely, placebo has no effect and there’s no change in violence for those whose blood chemistry is normal to begin with.

These results are noteworthy since they suggest that similar success could be had in the other areas affected by nutritional deficiencies. That doesn’t mean a balanced diet will keep everyone off drugs or eradicate ADHD, but being aware of the role blood chemistry pays can be one more tool to prevent and treat addiction and other disorders.

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