New research from the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) suggests that improving children’s diets through targeted nutrition programmes may help to reduce aggression and anti-social behaviour, particularly among those with neurodiverse conditions. 

The research was undertaken as part of the YEF’s commitment to finding what works to prevent children and young people from becoming involved in violence. As part of this, the charity is exploring how health-based approaches — like improving diets and therapies — could support children who are most at risk. 

Better diets, better behaviour? 

By reviewing studies from around the world, the YEF found that nutrition programmes were linked to an estimated 38% reduction in aggression and a 52% reduction in anti-social behaviour in children. While there’s less evidence on whether they reduce violent crime, early studies suggest they could cut offending by up to 82%. 

The programmes studied either improved overall diet or provided specific supplements, such as omega-3 and vitamin D. They aimed to reduce foods that may be harmful in excess, like highly processed meals, and increase key nutrients that children often lack. 

Notably, two-thirds of the studies focused on children with ADHD or autism, suggesting that nutritional programmes may be particularly beneficial for these groups. 

There are lots of reasons why children don’t always get the nutrients they need. The cost of food, limited access to healthy options, personal food preferences and knowledge about nutrition all play a role. Other factors — like certain medications, chronic stress, gut health and neurodiverse conditions — can also affect how well their bodies absorb and use nutrients. Together, these challenges can have a big impact on a child’s overall health and behaviour. 

How food affects the brain 

While aggression is influenced by many things, research suggests that what children eat affects how their brains develop and function. Key nutrients help build the brain and may support mood and behaviour by influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. There’s also growing evidence that gut health is closely linked to brain function, meaning diet could play a role in emotional regulation. 

Tahani Saridar, CEO at Think Through Nutrition, said: “Ensuring access to key nutrients such as omega-3 and vitamin D – whether through diet, supplementation or other practical interventions – can be a simple but effective way to support brain health, particularly for children with neurodiverse conditions or those in custody. 

“The evidence shows that even small improvements in nutrition can have a measurable impact on behaviour, reinforcing the importance of making healthy food choices more accessible for all children, regardless of their background or environment.” 

Could better nutrition help prevent violence? 

While nutrition programmes aren’t a magic fix for preventing violence, the findings suggest they could play a role in supporting wider efforts to help the children most at risk. Low-cost programmes providing Omega-3 and vitamin D supplements could be run in schools, community health settings and youth custody, with healthcare professionals overseeing them. Ensuring young people in custody have access to nutritious food —along with vitamin D supplements to counteract deficiencies from limited sun exposure —could be especially beneficial. 

Ciaran Thapar, Director of Public Affairs and Communication at the YEF, said: “This research offers fascinating new insights into the potential role of nutrition in children’s behaviour. When a child becomes involved in violence, there are likely to be far more fundamental factors at play. That said, nutrition programmes could be a small but cost-effective way — particularly for children with neurodiverse conditions or those in custody — to support their overall health, well-being and behaviour.” 

Lucy Vincent, CEO at Food Behind Bars, said: “A healthy, balanced diet is integral to children’s development and future lives, and yet it is not always prioritised in this way in youth custody environments. However, as this research demonstrates, food is a powerful tool that impacts behaviour and may even help to reduce offending.  

She adds: “Access to varied and nutritious food in custody can bring dignity, humanity and hope, whilst influencing people’s mental and physical well-being. Learning how to cook and eat well are fundamental skills that can support people’s rehabilitation and future lives. There’s no doubt we should be utilising nutritional interventions more in youth custody settings to harness the many benefits they can bring to society as a whole.” 

Find out more in the YEF Toolkit 

Nutrition programmes is the latest addition to the YEF Toolkit — a free resource that summarises the best available evidence on preventing young people from becoming involved in violence.