Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on offending behavior in repeat violent offenders: A randomized controlled trial feasibility study

Abstract

Evidence suggests that certain behavioral problems, including a tendency towards impulsive-violence, might arise in part as a consequence of a potentially correctable, dietary imbalance of essential fatty acids in susceptible individuals. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) using omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in a community sample of impulsive, repeat-violent offenders. Behavioral measures of impulsivity, anger, depression, irritability and self-reported offending were examined. Participants were randomized to a 12 week placebocontrolled trial of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation. Eligible participants were recruited from the Newcastle Courthouse, New South Wales (Australia), reported a minimum of two prior violent offences, and scored highly on the 15-item Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Forty-four individuals commenced the trial, with 22 completing the 12 week intervention. There was a statistically significant mean increase in Omega-3 Index among participants who received the intervention. At week 12, participants who self-reported offending in the past month had a significantly lower mean Omega-3 Index compared to those who reported no offending behavior. This study demonstrates that community-based individuals with histories of violent offending who self-reported reoffending within the past month had a lower mean Omega-3 Index compared to similar individuals who reported no offending behavior. This finding suggests diets of repeat violent offenders lacking important essential fatty acids may contribute to behavioral problems. Violent offender recruitment, adherence and techniques for improving lost to follow up are discussed. An adequately powered RCT of this intervention is warranted.

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

“…The Omega-3 Index is emerging as a risk factor for mental health, with low levels associated with depression and schizophrenia [17] and people at ultra-high risk of psychosis [18]. We previously reported a negative correlation between the Omega-3 Index and aggressive behaviour in Australian prisoners [19], while Miles et al [20] reported that violent offenders released into the community and provided 3 g of n-3 LCPUFA daily had an increased Omega-3 Index and reduced post-release criminal behaviour. Thus, the evidence to date would suggest that the Omega-3 Index is a useful biometric to evaluate the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation in people with aggressive behaviour.…”

Breaking the Cycle of Violent Crime and Punishment: The Promise of Neuronormalization

“…Some research specifically investigated the effects of omega‐3s on violent offenders. In one experiment, repeat violent offenders with high impulsivity were given omega‐3 supplementation or a placebo (Miles et al., 2018). At the end of the 12‐week trial, there was no main effect of supplementation; however, a blood analysis revealed that offenders with higher omega‐3 concentrations were less likely to have committed a crime during the study.…”

Nutritional supplementation in the treatment of violent and aggressive behavior: A systematic review

“…1 1 In an RCT on a general population sample, authors of one study found a significant decrease in self‐reported aggression ( p = .032, d = 0.31) after omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation (Bègue et al, 2018). In the other excluded study (Miles et al, 2018), an RCT of community‐based individuals with histories of violent offending, the authors found no significant effect of omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation on self‐reported re‐offending ( p = .074; neither effect size, nor direction of change was reported and related follow‐up questions to the original study authors remained unanswered).…”