Significant nutritional variables in patients with eating disorders

Retrospective chart analysis of 113 patients presenting to a general practitioner with eating disorders was conducted, in an attempt to identify statistically and clinically significant nutritional variables. Blood tests are a useful diagnostic tool in eating disorders, and this research suggests that current testing should be broadened to include trace minerals such as zinc and manganese.

Results were analysed for cholesterol, red blood cell folate, vitamin B12, magnesium, manganese, zinc, vitamin D, phosphate, ferritin, white cell count, red cell count and platelets. Patients were analysed as an entire group, but also separately as those suffering from Anorexia Nervosa (1), Bulimia Nervosa (2), EDNOS (3) and classic AN followed by BN (4).

Analysis using T tests and chi squared showed that variables most likely to lie outside the population reference range were manganese, cholesterol, ferritin, vitamin B12, zinc and vitamin D.