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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
07:46
Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
How does zinc supplementation benefit anorexia nervosa?
1Eating Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. clbirm@interchange.ubc.ca
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Zinc supplementation significantly boosts body mass index (BMI) in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients. This inexpensive treatment addresses neurotransmitter abnormalities, offering a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for AN recovery.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Neuroendocrinology
- Eating Disorder Treatment
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is frequently associated with low zinc intake.
- Zinc is inexpensive, accessible, and has minimal side effects.
- Oral zinc supplementation is underutilized as an adjunctive therapy for AN.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanism by which zinc supplementation may benefit patients with AN.
- To investigate the role of zinc in correcting neurotransmitter abnormalities observed in AN.
Main Methods:
- The study references a randomized controlled trial investigating zinc supplementation in AN.
- The trial measured the rate of increase in body mass index (BMI).
Main Results:
- A randomized controlled trial showed a two-fold increase in the rate of BMI increase in patients receiving zinc supplementation.
- Zinc supplementation was observed to correct abnormalities in neurotransmitters like gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) and the amygdala.
Conclusions:
- Zinc supplementation demonstrates clinical benefit in patients with AN.
- Routine oral administration of 14 mg of elemental zinc daily for 2 months is recommended for all AN patients.
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