The Role of Food Supplements in Eating Disorders

Disordered eating is a challenging health concern that clinicians have been treating and researchers have been investigating for decades. A systematic review reported lifetime prevalence rates for anorexia nervosa of 1.4% (0.1–3.6%) for women and 0.2% (0–0.3%) for men, for bulimia nervosa of 1.9% (0.3–4.6%) for women and 0.6% (0.1–1.3%) for men, and for binge eating disorder of 2.8% (0.6–5.8%) for women and 1.0% (0.3–2.0%) for men [1]. Clinically diagnosable eating disorders are present in 1–3% of adolescents. Unfortunately, traditional treatment programs have demonstrated limited success [2]. Considering the prevalence, consequences, and limited success of treatment efforts, ongoing research interest in identifying risk factors with the goal of preventing and treating eating disorders has intensified.

Food aversion is a complex issue often associated with conditions such as sensory processing disorders, eating disorders, anxiety, or adverse reactions to certain foods due to past experiences or medical treatments. Managing food aversion involves a combination of dietary strategies, psychological approaches, and sometimes medical interventions.

ood supplements can play a nuanced role in the management and treatment of eating disorders. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder often lead to nutritional deficiencies due to restrictive eating patterns, purging behaviors, or erratic eating habits. Here are some key points about the role of food supplements in eating disorders:

1. Nutritional Rehabilitation

• Repletion of Deficiencies: Individuals with eating disorders frequently suffer from deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamins (B12, D, E, A, K), minerals (iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium), and electrolytes (potassium, sodium). Supplements can help correct these deficiencies and support overall health.
• Bone Health: Conditions like anorexia nervosa can lead to bone density loss. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are often recommended to improve bone health.

2. Physical Health Maintenance

• Electrolyte Balance: In disorders involving purging, such as bulimia nervosa, maintaining electrolyte balance is crucial. Supplements containing potassium and magnesium can prevent dangerous imbalances.
• Gastrointestinal Health: Probiotics and digestive enzymes may be used to support digestive health, especially if the individual has been suffering from malnutrition or gastrointestinal issues.

3. Psychological Support

• Mood Stabilization: Some supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to have a positive effect on mood and cognitive function, which can be beneficial in managing the psychological aspects of eating disorders.
• Reducing Anxiety and Depression: Supplements like B vitamins, magnesium, and certain amino acids (like tryptophan) may help alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms, which are often comorbid with eating disorders.

4. Appetite Regulation

• Nutrient-Dense Supplements: For those with severe restriction or avoidance of food, nutrient-dense liquid supplements or meal replacements can ensure adequate caloric and nutritional intake without the need for large food volumes.

5. Tailored Interventions

• Individualized Care: The use of supplements should be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and medical condition. A healthcare provider can conduct tests to identify specific deficiencies and create a personalized supplementation plan.

6. Supporting Recovery

• Facilitating Normal Eating Patterns: Supplements can act as a bridge in recovery, helping individuals meet their nutritional needs as they gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods into their diet.
• Metabolic Support: In the refeeding process, supplements can help support metabolic recovery and mitigate the risk of refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition characterized by severe electrolyte and fluid shifts.

Treasure J, Duarte TA, Schmidt U. Eating disorders. Lancet. 2020 Mar 14;395(10227):899-911. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30059-3. PMID: 32171414.

Hewlings SJ. Eating Disorders and Dietary Supplements: A Review of the Science. Nutrients. 2023 Apr 25;15(9):2076. doi: 10.3390/nu15092076. PMID: 37432190; PMCID: PMC10181165.

Navarro-Tapia E, Almeida-Toledano L, Sebastiani G, Serra-Delgado M, García-Algar Ó, Andreu-Fernández V. Effects of Microbiota Imbalance in Anxiety and Eating Disorders: Probiotics as Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Feb 26;22(5):2351. doi: 10.3390/ijms22052351. PMID: 33652962; PMCID: PMC7956573.