Essential fatty
acids
Essential fatty
acid status is greatly altered in
anorexics, due to periods of food
restriction. A study that examined
the levels of essential fatty
acids in anorexics revealed that
in those with anorexia nervosa,
fatty acid deficiencies were
different compared to those seen
in simple fatty acid deficiencies, as well as that of long term
malnutrition. Researchers noted
that replacement fatty acids
were produced in those with
anorexia nervosa, but these were
not suitable for optimal cellular
function. [8] This lead to a decrease in
membrane fluidity, thereby
diminishing the communication
between cells throughout the body.
Furthermore, some
research suggests that
an inappropriate utilization and
deficiency of essential fatty
acids may actually lead to anorexia
nervosa. [9] In combination with other
metabolic disturbances of hormone
systems, a chain of irregularities
of fatty acid metabolism results
in an impairment of the endocrine
system. This may lead to sensations of
fullness and alterations in body
image perception by the affected
individual. [10]
Inositol:
Inositol plays
several roles in the body as it
has many important physiological
functions. A vital component of the
cellular membrane, inositol is
also necessary for proper
functioning of the brain and
nervous system, among other
functions elsewhere in the body.
Part of its importance in brain
function is related to its role as
a precursor in the messenger
system for various serotonin
receptors.
It has been
investigated as a treatment for
several neurologically related
disorders and its role in bulimia
continues to be uncovered. Studies
have shown a reduction in symptoms
associated with bulimia, as well as
comparable benefit from inositol
to pharmaceutical treatment. In
fact in one study, the effect was
so positive, that the subjects
achieved remission with continued inositol treatment. [11,
12,
13]
Zinc
Among other
nutrients studied in anorexia and
bulimia, the role of zinc has been
studied in fair detail. The second
most abundant trace element in the
body, zinc is used as a catalyst
in nearly 100 different enzyme
systems. [14] It takes part in the synthesis of
chemicals in the brain, and has
specified roles in gene expression,
as well as behavior and learning. Because of
its versatility, zinc deficiency
may have several effects on the
nature of anorexia and bulimia. In
one study, a deficiency of zinc
was found in 40% of bulimic
patients; this finding led to
speculation that a deficiency
could to contribute the chronic
nature of abnormal eating
behaviors in these patients. [15] The outcome of another study
showed that anorexic and
bulimic patients supplied with
a large dose of zinc resulted in a
shift in self- perception, meaning
that there was a reduction in the patient's self
reported feelings of symptoms. [16]
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)/ L-
tryptophan
Some studies
suggest that these eating
disorders are partially a result
of altered brain chemistry. Although this isn't a completely
curative approach, supplementation
with some neurotransmitter
precursors seems to have a
positive effect.
When the precursors
of serotonin, 5-HTP, and
L-tryptophan were given, there was
a significant improvement in
bulimic symptoms and
mood. [17] It should be noted that B6 was
also administered in this study,
and is included as a nutrient that
seems to be diminished in those
with bulimia. The positive effects
of supplementation with serotonin
precursors could be related to the
fact that those with bulimia do
not utilize 5-HTP as well as
normal individuals and have less
serotonin in there brains. [18]
Another study examined the effect
of depriving subjects from
tryptophan for a number of hours. This was achieved by giving female
bulimic patients a
tryptophan-free diet over a period
of seven hours. The result was
poor body image, depressed mood, and a feeling of lack of control
with regard to food intake. [19]
Multivitamin/mineral
supplementation
In those suffering
from eating disorders, their
vitamin, mineral, and electrolyte
status fluctuates due to erratic
nutritional habit, including purging,
starvation, and excessive exercise. The lack of attention to proper
nutrition sets the body up to form
deficiencies and imbalances of key
nutrients. Supplementing with a
multivitamin/mineral may allow the body to catch up from
the depleting effect of these
conditions. Investigation into the
relationship between vitamin
status and clinical evaluation of
both bulimic and anorexic
patients showed that vitamin
deficiencies in those with eating
disorders leads to a dysfunctional
neuropsychological state, and
could be a direct precursor to cognitive
dysfunction. [20]
It may be possible to halt this cycle if
proper supplemental support was
provided those suffering from
either disorder.
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