The Nutritional Content of Food in Carceral Institutions: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies

The nutritional content of food in carceral institutions is important because it influences weight gain and health during incarceration. This systematic review assessed the available quantitative data and nutritional analyses of food in carceral institutions. Methodology is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement with four phases (identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion). Nine articles were selected. Most carceral institutions provided adequate nutrition for micronutrients, except for vitamin D (inadequate) and sodium (excessive). Most menus followed recommendations for macronutrients. Food from the commissary stores is high in calories, sugar, fat, and sodium. Most menus are adequate according to Dietary Reference Intakes. Changing menus drastically to meet nutritional targets may lead to consuming more food from commissary, potentially leading to poorer eating. For some menus, minor adjustments could bring the nutritional content closer to recommendations.