Improving diet 'could cut crime by a third'

It has been known for well over a decade that the lack of certain minerals, such as zinc and iron, as well as an overabundance of copper, can lead to acts of aggression and violence (see bibliography of research).

Now researchers in England and Scotland are going to prove it once again, this time in a prison setting. A three-year study is about to be launched to examine whether young criminals, including murderers, behave better in prison if they are given vitamins and other nutritional supplements.

Researchers believe that the results of the study, which will follow 1,000 youthful prisoners in three different facilities for the next three years.

Scientists think the results will have a profound impact on the criminal justice system, in the U.K. and elsewhere.

John Stein, a neurophysiologist from the University of Oxford, said, "We are not saying that nutrition is the only influence on behavior, but we seem to have seriously underestimated its importance."

Bernard Gesch, honorary director of the charity Natural Justice, said, "It may seem a little strange that what we eat has got anything to do with criminal justice. The law tends to assume that criminal behavior is entirely a matter of free will.

"I wonder if that is entirely true? I wonder how you can exercise free will without involving your brain and how your brain functions properly without a good nutrient supply?

"In that sense, this is potentially something that is very simple, very humane. It is likely to be very cheap and it has been largely overlooked."

Smaller studies have been done in the past, but this is the largest study of its kind. A previous study at Aylesbury young offenders' institution in 1998 found that prisoners who consumed vitamins and other supplements committed 25% fewer disciplinary offenses and 37 per cent fewer violent offenses.

Don't wait for the outcomes of this and future studies. If you have your own little droogies who occasionally get out of hand, try vitamins and minerals and other supplements — before they commit offenses that may hurt themselves or others, and get them locked up.

Complementary Medicine | Natural Health | Nutrition | Herbal Supplements | Nutritional Supplements | Dr. David Ross, ND, CNHP | DrDavidRoss.com

Women of childbearing age not taking folic acid

Two new studies indicate that women of childbearing ages, especially those between 18 and 24, are not taking folic acid. A minimum of 400 mcg per day of folic acid is recommended to prevent possible birth defects if they become pregnant.

To be effective for the prevention of birth defects, folic acid supplementation should begin before pregnancy occurs, not after the woman becomes aware she is pregnant.

The studies found that less than 48 percent of women aged 18-45 took a supplement containing folic acid. Less than 30% of women aged 24 or younger took a supplement containing folic acid, though 61 percent said they knew they should. Only six percent of these young women indicated they had adequate knowledge about the need for the supplement, it was reported.

Authors of one of the studies, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, wrote: "These findings warrant the continued promotion of folic acid consumption among all women of childbearing age and especially among women aged 18 to 24 years.... Folic acid education that promotes consumption of folic acid from various sources, in addition to foods rich in folate, can increase the possibility of all women consuming the recommended daily amount of 400 micrograms."

Complementary Medicine | Natural Health | Nutrition | Herbal Supplements | Nutritional Supplements | Dr. David Ross, ND, CNHP | DrDavidRoss.com