By: Montelle Felix Ph.D.
The Science Behind Behavior – How Nutrition Shapes the Juvenile Brain
Discussions about crime and delinquency often center around poverty, unemployment, and family breakdown. While these are critical social issues, one overlooked factor could be fueling the rise in juvenile delinquency—nutrition. Could the foods we feed our children be playing a role in the growing incidents of youth violence and anti-social behavior?
Scientific studies have long established that the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the brain region responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and social behavior, is highly sensitive to nutritional intake (Friedman & Robbins, 2022). If a child’s diet lacks key nutrients during pregnancy and early childhood, their ability to regulate emotions and control impulses may be significantly impaired, increasing the likelihood of engaging in risky or delinquent behavior (Vaughn et al., 2016).
In Saint Lucia, childhood diets have drastically changed over the years. Traditional, nutrient-dense meals have been largely replaced by imported processed foods high in artificial sweeteners, refined sugars, and food additives. These chemicals have been linked to hyperactivity, aggression, and impaired cognitive function—factors that directly contribute to youth delinquency (Prescott et al., 2024).
As we witness more young people engaging in crime, we must examine whether their early childhood nutrition played a contributing role. This first article lays the foundation for understanding the impact of nutrition on brain development. In subsequent publications, we will explore the role of artificial sweeteners and food chemicals in shaping juvenile behavior and how Saint Lucia’s “modern” diet may be fueling an unseen crisis.
