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Zinc deficiency and eating disorders
L Humphries1, B Vivian, M Stuart
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536-0084.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Zinc deficiency is common in patients with eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa. This deficiency may worsen eating behaviors due to factors like poor diet and absorption issues.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, are associated with significant physiological disturbances.
- Zinc deficiency is characterized by decreased food intake, cyclical eating patterns, and weight loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the zinc status in patients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa.
- To investigate the potential link between zinc deficiency and the chronicity of eating disorders.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical assessment of zinc status was performed.
- The study included 62 patients with bulimia nervosa and 24 patients with anorexia nervosa.
Main Results:
- Biochemical evidence of zinc deficiency was found in 40% of patients with bulimia nervosa.
- A higher prevalence of zinc deficiency, 54%, was observed in patients with anorexia nervosa.
Conclusions:
- Patients with eating disorders are at high risk for developing zinc deficiency.
- Factors contributing to zinc deficiency include reduced dietary intake, impaired absorption, and gastrointestinal losses.
- Acquired zinc deficiency may perpetuate altered eating behaviors in these patients.