Impulsivity and eating disorders: The relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and different impulsivity facets...

Eating disorders (EDs) are severe psychiatric conditions characterised by malnutrition, dysfunctional behaviours, and hypovitaminosis D. In various psychiatric conditions, including EDs, preliminary evidence has correlated impulsivity to a low level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. This study aims to reinforce this evidence by examining different facets, both behavioural and psychological, of the impulsivity construct in patients with ED.

A sample of 119 women was evaluated with a validated questionnaire and computerised neuropsychological tasks: the UPPS-P impulsive behaviour scale, a go/no-go task, and the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). A clinical evaluation for EDs and blood sample collection were also performed to assess specific psychopathology and determine the serum level of 25(OH)D.

Significant correlations were found between serum levels of 25(OH)D and BART scores (p = 0.012) and lack of perseverance (p = 0.034). Moreover, regression analyses showed that higher BART scores may be explained by hypovitaminosis D and higher levels of lack of perseverance in patients with EDs.

The specific aspect of impulsivity linked to goal strategy and behaviours may be explained in patients with EDs by hypovitaminosis D. A possible connection to the brain inflammatory system is also discussed, along with possible directions for future research.