Abstract Title:

A pilot open case series of ethyl-EPA supplementation in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

Abstract Source:

Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2004 Oct;71(4):205-9. PMID: 15301789

Abstract Author(s):

Agnes K Ayton, Amer Azaz, David F Horrobin

Abstract:

Anorexia nervosa (AN) carries the highest risk of morbidity and mortality amongst psychiatric disorders. The efficacy of current treatment approaches is limited. Despite the fat-phobic nature of the disease, poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have not received much research attention. Patients who consume western diet, which is rich in n-6 PUFAs and trans-fatty acids, are likely to develop severe n-3 PUFA deficiency during self-induced starvation. Re-feeding programmes do not take into consideration n-3 EFA intake, possibly leading to further n-3 PUFA deficiency during weight restoration, and this might contribute to the maintenance of the disorder. To test this hypothesis, we carried out a systematic case series of E-EPA supplementation in the treatment of AN. Seven young patients received 1g/day E-EPA in addition to standard treatment, and were followed up for 3 months. Three of them recovered and four improved. Randomised controlled trials are warranted to examine the effectiveness of E-EPA in AN further.

Study Type : Human Study

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