@article{ref1,
title="Relationships of diet-related blood parameters and blood lead levels with psychopathology and aggression in forensic psychiatric inpatients",
journal="Criminal behaviour and mental health",
year="2015",
author="Zaalberg, Ap and Wielders, Jos and Bulten, Erik and van der Staak, Cees and Wouters, Anouk and Nijman, Henk",
volume="26",
number="3",
pages="196-211",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Earlier studies have suggested associations between diet-related blood parameters and both aggression and psychopathological symptoms, but little is known about this in forensic psychiatric inpatients. <br><br>AIM: This article aims to explore the levels of diet-related blood parameters and their relationship to aggressive behaviour and/or psychopathology among Dutch forensic psychiatric inpatients. <br><br>METHODS: Minerals, vitamins, lead and fatty acid levels were measured in blood samples from 51 inpatients, well enough to consent and participate in the study, from a possible total of 99. Levels of aggression and psychopathology were assessed using questionnaires, observation instruments and clinical data. Associations between blood parameters and behavioural measures were calculated. <br><br>RESULTS: Low average levels of vitamin D3 and omega (ω)-3 fatty acids were found, with nearly two-thirds of the patients having below recommended levels of D3 , while vitamin B6 levels were high. Magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and lead were overall within reference values, but copper/zinc ratios were high. Several significant associations between levels of fatty acid measures and both aggression and psychopathology were observed. <br><br>CONCLUSION: In our sample of forensic psychiatric inpatients, fatty acids - but not mineral or vitamin levels - were associated with aggression and psychopathology. A potentially causal link between fatty acids and aggression could be tested in a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of fish oil supplements. General health of such patients might be improved by better vitamin D status (increased sun exposure and/or supplement use) and better ω-3 fatty acid status (oily fish or fish oil consumption), but discouraging unnecessary self-prescription of B vitamins where necessary. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0957-9664",
doi="10.1002/cbm.1954",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cbm.1954"
}