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SAGE Publications, Crime and Delinquency, 4(69), p. 822-840, 2021

DOI: 10.1177/0011128721989073

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The Effects of Vitamin-Mineral Supplements on Serious Rule Violations in Correctional Facilities for Young Adult Male Inmates: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal article published in 2021 by Stephen Schoenthaler, David Gast ORCID, Erik J. Giltay ORCID, Stephen Amos
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

We investigated whether vitamin-mineral supplementation could reduce serious rule violations. In this randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, young adult male inmates were included. For 15 weeks, they received a daily dose with vitamin-mineral supplements of approximately 100% Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) ( n = 149), or a higher-dose formula ( n = 150), or placebo ( n = 150). Serious rule violations were the primary outcome. In the lower-dose group there were 39% fewer rule violations than in the placebo group (relative risk = .61; 95% confidence interval [ CI]:.41–.90, p = .01). In the higher-dose group the difference did not reach statistical significance. About 100% RDA, but not higher doses supplements, resulted in less serious rule violations than placebo.