The Importance of Nutrition as the Best Medicine for Eating Disorders

Nutrition Therapy for Eating Disorders

“…Eighty-six percent of all eating disorders are diagnosed before children leave their teen years. 7 The prevalence of eating disorders among athletes appears to be growing, with data revealing rates 10-50 times higher than previously thought. 8 As shown in Table 1, anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) share most clinical features 9 as described by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR).…”

“…Various micronutrient deficiencies have been found among patients who restrict food intake. 7 An association between B vitamin deficiency and mood disorders typical of eating disorders has led to supplementation with niacin, vitamin B 12 , and folic acid and reported improvement in appetite and mental state. 7 A thorough diet history can evaluate insufficiency of micronutrient intake.…”

“…Evidence from the classic Keys semistarvation study, in which malnutrition was imposed on psychologically healthy men, illustrates the development of dramatic emotional changes with food restriction that include depression, anxiety, and attitudes and behaviors related to food, some of which persisted after refeeding. 7,12 In addition, more recent studies on quality and composition of the diet suggest that nutrition may be implicated in the development and treatment of mood disorders seen in eating-disordered patients. 7 Depression coupled with negative emotions and altered appetite regulation is associated with impaired physical activity and increased appetite, 13 which may lead to binge eating.…”

“…7,12 In addition, more recent studies on quality and composition of the diet suggest that nutrition may be implicated in the development and treatment of mood disorders seen in eating-disordered patients. 7 Depression coupled with negative emotions and altered appetite regulation is associated with impaired physical activity and increased appetite, 13 which may lead to binge eating. Obesity is associated with poor nutrition, 14 alcohol abuse, and mood, anxiety, and personality disorders that include major depression, dysthmia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among others.…”

“…4,6 More than 7 million girls and women in addition to 1 million boys and men in the United States are expected to suffer from an eating disorder during their lifetime. 7 Eating disorders strike early in life, with 10% being diagnosed prior to age 10 and about onethird being diagnosed during the preteen and adolescent years. Eighty-six percent of all eating disorders are diagnosed before children leave their teen years.…”