Abstract Title:

How does zinc supplementation benefit anorexia nervosa?

Abstract Source:

Eat Weight Disord. 2006 Dec;11(4):e109-11. PMID: 17272939

Abstract Author(s):

C L Birmingham, S Gritzner

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: A randomized controlled trial of zinc supplementation in anorexia nervosa (AN) reported a two-fold increase of the rate of increase of body mass index (BMI) in the zinc group. Zinc is inexpensive, readily available and free of significant side effects. However, oral zinc supplementation is infrequently prescribed as an adjunctive treatment for AN. Understanding the mechanism of action of zinc may increase its use. HYPOTHESIS: Low zinc intake, which is very common in AN, adversely affects neurotransmitters in various parts of the brain, including gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) and the amygdala, which are abnormal in AN. Zinc supplementation corrects these abnormalities, resulting in clinical benefit in AN. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of 14 mg of elemental zinc daily for 2 months in all patients with AN should be routine.

Study Type : Human Study
Additional Links

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2025 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.