Abstract
Purpose: Using a seven-day cycle menu and commissary items at a rural county jail, this study aims to describe provisions of micronutrients known to be associated with mental health disorders and if they meet dietary guidelines. Design/methodology/approach: The nutritional content of a seven-day cycle menu and four available commissary food packs were evaluated using NutritionCalc® Plus software (McGraw-Hill Education version 5.0.19) and compared to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). Findings: Menu mean values of Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and zinc met DRI recommendations. However, Vitamin D (for men and women), magnesium (for men only) and omega-3s (for men only) did not meet the DRI recommendations. Originality/value: As deficits of Vitamin D, magnesium and omega-3s are known to exacerbate bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression, small changes to food would increase the offerings and potential intake of nutrients that may improve mental health.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 350-362 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | International Journal of Prisoner Health |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 5 2023 |
Keywords
- Commissary
- Correctional health care
- Criminal justice system
- Health promotion
- Jail
- Mental health
- Nutrition
- Psychological health
- Psychological services
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine
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