Prison dietary standards and the research potential for evaluating the effect of diet upon behavior

A commentary discusses the use of prisons as a laboratory for conducting studies on the effects of diet on behavior. The advantages in controllable factors (accurate records of foods served and consumed; cooperation of the study subjects) in such an environment offset the disadvantages presented. It is argued that the development of a closer working relationship with prison administrators can afford researchers a unique opportunity for definitive studies on the possible association between dietary factors and human behavior.(wz)