Omega-3 fatty acids and autonomic function in adolescents with anorexia: A randomized trial

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) have autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction as measured by heart rate variability (HRV). Omega-3 fatty acids may improve heart rate regulation. Our aim was to describe ANS response to a mid-day meal in adolescent females with AN in a 12-week treatment program, randomized to receive either omega-3 supplements or placebo.

This pilot study was a longitudinal, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Each group was subdivided into an acutely ill cohort and a chronically ill cohort. Linear and non-linear measures of slope, mean, and pre/post-meal changes in HRV were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Twenty-four women (n = 12 placebo; n = 12 omega-3) were enrolled. By program end, the acute omega-3 group alone showed no change in any pre-meal slope. Acute and chronic omega-3 groups, but not placebo groups, demonstrated physiologically expected post-meal heart rate increases at 12 weeks. For all measures at 6 and 12 weeks, the chronic placebo and omega-3 groups had smaller physiologic responses to the meal compared with the acute groups.

Participation in a 12-week partial hospitalization program may improve autonomic function in response to mealtime, with possible additional benefit from omega-3 PUFA, particularly in those with acute illness.

Autonomic function with meals improves with a 12-week partial hospitalization program in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may improve autonomic function, especially in adolescent females with acute forms of anorexia nervosa. Longer duration of illness in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa is associated with blunted autonomic response to meals.