Persistence of nutritional deficiencies after short-term weight recovery in adolescents with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Objectives: To study nutritional abnormalities in adolescent anorexia nervosa and to establish whether certain abnormalities persist after short-term refeeding.

Method: Sixty-one patients (10-19 years old) admitted to a reference unit for eating disorders between 1999 and 2000 with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa were evaluated at admission and at discharge. A range of biochemical, nutritional, and hormonal parameters were determined.

Results: At admission, no protein or lipid deficiencies were found, although many patients presented with hormonal abnormalities and red blood cell folate and zinc deficiencies. Hormonal abnormalities reverted significantly (p <.000) after renutrition. There were decreases in erythrocytes and in levels of hemoglobin (p <.000) and folic acid (p <.05). Red blood cell folate and zinc increased but did not reach normal levels.

Conclusions: In a large proportion of adolescent anorexic patients, supplementation of folic acid and zinc is recommended although protein or hormonal replacement does not seem to be necessary.