Studies show half of all Australians consume less than the recommended amount of omega-3 fats, which has researchers wondering whether consuming more of the healthy fat can curb criminal behavior.
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You may have seen the word 'omega-3' plastered on cereal boxes, vitamin jars and tins of tuna, but the fatty acids play a huge role in our cognitive health.
Fats tend to get a bad rap, but omega-3 is a healthy kind, one that can lower the chances of heart disease and stroke, while also assisting in our brian's development.
In 2013, researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) partnered with Corrective Services NSW to undertake a pilot study into whether good nutrition, and in particular omega-3 fats, have a positive impact on inmate behaviour.
The pilot was rolled out at South Coast Correctional (SCC) and found that inmates with a lower omega-3 index were more aggressive and had higher ADD scores.
However, lead researcher Dr Barbara Meyer said being a pilot, the trial wasn't powered enough to show definitive outcomes.
Since then, Dr Meyer's research has gained funding, and she is launching a 600-person, multi-centre trial to assess whether omega-3s can curb violent or aggressive behaviour, and how it can impact muscle health.
"Two previous studies in the UK and the Netherlands found [omega-3s lead to] a 35 per cent reduction in the number of reprimands," she said.
"We are hoping to show a change in omega-3 levels is responsible for that same effect."
As part of the study, Dr Meyer has recruited a corrections officer at SCC , who will work as a project officer to conduct the research at the South Nowra prison.
"He has been going though case notes and converting those to a number," she said. "Those with a higher number will be invited to take part in the research."
Inmates who choose to participate will be given either omega-3s or a vegetable oil placebo for a 16 week period.
Prior to that, inmates will be asked a series of questions and have baseline blood tests, as well as baseline muscle strength tests.
Following the 16-week period, inmates will again have their blood and muscle strength tested, something that hasn't been done in previous trials.
Six hundred inmates are expected to take part over a three year period, expanding from the South Coast to Lithgow, Wellington and Port Macquarie, as well as Port Augusta and Yatala in South Australia.
Dr Meyer said the saying "brain food is fish food" holds true when it comes to omega-3s.
"It plays a major role in behavioural and cognitive function, as well as effective communication between brain cells. In terms of cognition it provides us with the ability to think before you act," she said.
"Australians don't consume enough omega-3 for optimal health, so there is room to improve."
