The Effect of Diet on Behavior

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the impact that diet has on human behavior. The paper first looks at how serotonin, an important neurotransmitter involved in mood, sensory perception, pain suppression, sleep and appetite, is highly impacted by diet. Research that shows that a diet high in carbohydrates tends to increase serotonin levels is examined. The paper then explores how long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 3, 6, and 9 may impact behavior by having a direct impact on neural function. The paper refers to studies that highlighted how deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids could lead to behavioral problems, as well as a study that found that students with decreased overall diet quality were significantly correlated to students who performed poorly on an academic assessment. The paper therefore concludes from the research that a healthy and balanced diet meeting the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals, and providing essential fatty acids is one important step to be taken in improving human performance and behavior, and overall mental and physical health.

From the Paper:

"There is significant evidence to suggest that diet has a profound impact on human behavior. In such complex issues as human diet and behavior, it is difficult to attribute specific dietary elements to their psychological impacts. It is quite apparent that a healthy body helps sustain a healthy brain, but the specific dietary attributions are largely speculative. Many vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are vital to cognitive functioning and affect production of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (Massachusets General Hospital, 2006). Studies have shown that dietary correction or supplementation can reduce antisocial behavior and violent tendencies in incarcerated adults (Gesh, 2002) and adolescents (Schoenthaler, 1997), and improve cognitive functioning (Rogers, 2007) and academic performance (Florence, 2008)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Florence, M. D., Asbridge, M., & Veugelers, P. J. (2008, April). Diet quality and academic performance. Journal of School Health, April 2008(78.4), 209-215. Retrieved July 2, 2009, from Gale database. (A180799522)
• Gesh, C. B., Hammond, S. M., Hampson, S. E., Eves, A., & Crowder, M. J. (2002, February). Influence of supplementary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids on the antisocial behaviour of young adult prisoners. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 2002(181), 22-28. Retrieved June 20, 2009, from The Royal College of Psychiatrists Web site: http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/181/1/22
• Massachusets General Hospital. (2006, October). 11 vitamins for a healthy brain: To stay sharp, your brain needs the right nutrients. Here's what you need to know about these essential vitamins. Mind, Mood & Memory, 2(10), 1-2. Retrieved July 6, 2009, from Gale database. (A157589892)
• Rogers, P. J. (2007, February 28). A healthy body, a healthy mind: Long-term impact of diet on mood and cognitive function. Cambridge University Press, 2001(60), 135-143. Retrieved June 2, 2009. doi:10.1079/PNS200061
• Schoenthaler, S., Amos, S., Doraz, W., & Kelly, M.-A. (1997, December). The effect of randomized vitamin-mineral supplementation of violent and non-violent antisocial behavior among incarcerated juveniles. Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, 7(4), 343-352. Retrieved June 24, 2009, from Proquest database. (28322096)

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