About This Journal
Nutritional Neurocriminology Today is a web-based publication focused on the intersection of nutrition, brain science, and criminal behavior. This interdisciplinary resource brings together experts from a diverse array of fields, including nutrition, neuroscience, medicine, criminology, psychology, sociology, and law, among others. The publication emphasizes practical implications for common professional responsibilities such as interviewing, screening and assessment, treatment and intervention, and case management of clients involved in or at risk of becoming entangled in the criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal systems. By highlighting cutting-edge research findings and real-world case studies, these publications support the continuing education and professional growth of those working with persons impacted by problematic, concerning, disruptive, and criminal behavior. Through this multidisciplinary approach, Nutritional Neurocriminology Today works to expand the horizons of nutritional, criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal practice and to foster evolution within these important and complex fields of study.
Included below are key takeaway points about the field of Nutritional Neurocriminology that highlight the importance and implications of Nutritional Neurocriminology Today:
- The principal focus of nutritional neurocriminology is to better understand how unhealthy and problematic nutritional patterns, practices, behaviors, and preferences interact with the brain to contribute to problematic, concerning, disruptive, and criminal behavior.
- The diet-behavior-crime relationship is complex and likely influenced by a host of prenatal and postnatal neurobiopsychosocial and genetic factors.
- By gaining a deeper understanding of this field of study, enhanced intervention and prevention approaches can be considered.
- Several other fields of study can play a pivotal role in magnifying the impacts of nutritional neurocriminology. Some of these fields include attachment theory, behavioral health, behavioral sleep medicine, chronobiology, exercise science, first 1,000 days of life, forensic neuroscience, lifestyle medicine, neurocounseling, psychogastroenterology, and psychoneuroimmunology.
- Neuroscience methodologies, approaches, practices, and research findings support the field of nutritional neurocriminology.
- Common nutrition-focused topics in this field include food insecurity, blood sugar imbalances, food additives, food allergies, diet-induced inflammation, the microbiota-gut-brain axis, malnutrition, nutrients, sugar, energy drink consumption, and ultra-processed foods.
- Dietary factors can directly and indirectly influence brain development and function, cognition (e.g., information processing and decision-making), emotion regulation, hormones, neurotransmitters, and behavioral control.
- Many of the neurological consequences of malnutrition are established risk factors for criminal behavior (e.g., impulsivity and decision-making problems).
- Promoting healthy eating habits and other lifestyle practices has the potential to reduce risk factors and ultimately help prevent future concerning, problematic, and criminal behaviors.
- Multidisciplinary treatment teams should consider consulting with registered dieticians and licensed nutritionists, particularly when a client has a history of problematic, concerning, disruptive, and antisocial behaviors.
- The ultimate goals of nutritional neurocriminology are to gain a deeper appreciation for the diet-behavior-crime relationship and to improve individual well-being and enhance public safety.
- There is a growing need for advanced education and training in nutritional neurocriminology among nutritional and allied disciplines, mental health, forensic psychological, and legal professionals.
- Nutritional Neurocriminology Today was launched to help address this gap in knowledge.