Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and bulimia are eating disorders of unknown etiology affecting predominantly adolescent women for which the optimal therapy is uncertain. These disorders are frequently associated with malnutrition and often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, epigastric discomfort and early satiety. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of zinc nutriture in the pathogenesis or and treatment of eating disorders. The trace metal, zinc, plays an integral role in appetite regulation, and it has been suggested that zinc deficiency may play a role in the etiology of eating disorders. Significant decreases in serum urinary zinc have been reported in patients with anorexia nervosa, but no data has been reported concerning zinc status in bulimia nervosa or bulimia. We propose to evaluate the incidence of zinc deficiency in hospitalized patients with eating disorders using serum, urinary, and leukocyte zinc, and taste acuity testing. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial of zinc supplementation will be undertaken to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on food intake, self-induced vomiting/purging behavior and nutritional status.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01MH040464-01A1
Application #
3378682
Study Section
(PCBB)
Project Start
1986-03-01
Project End
1989-02-28
Budget Start
1986-03-01
Budget End
1987-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Kentucky
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
832127323
City
Lexington
State
KY
Country
United States
Zip Code
40506
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McClain, C J; Humphries, L L; Hill, K K et al. (1993) Gastrointestinal and nutritional aspects of eating disorders. J Am Coll Nutr 12:466-74
McClain, C J; Stuart, M A; Vivian, B et al. (1992) Zinc status before and after zinc supplementation of eating disorder patients. J Am Coll Nutr 11:694-700
Humphries, L; Vivian, B; Stuart, M et al. (1989) Zinc deficiency and eating disorders. J Clin Psychiatry 50:456-9
Humphries, L L; Adams, L J; Eckfeldt, J H et al. (1987) Hyperamylasemia in patients with eating disorders. Ann Intern Med 106:50-2