Eating Disorders - Supplements

 
Eating Disorders
Counseling and nutrition management are both needed to effectively treat eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Talk to a therapist

    Work with a qualified professional to help you resolve any emotional issues that may contribute to your eating disorder

  • See your healthcare provider

    Get a checkup to find out if your eating disorder has resulted in any health problems that may require medical care

  • Mix in a multi

    Add a complete multivitamin to your daily diet to help prevent deficiencies, especially if you are anorexic or bulimic

  • Think zinc

    If you have anorexia, help improve your appetite by taking 50 mg a day of this essential mineral, along with 1 to 3 mg per day of copper

Also indexed as:
  • anorexia nervosa,
  • binge eating,
  • binge eating disorder,
  • bingeing,
  • bulimia nervosa,
  • eating disorder,
  • eating disorders,
  • eating problems

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.


SupplementAmountWhy
Multivitamin
Take as directed on label3 stars Taking a multivitamin-mineral provides the body with much-needed nutrients that are often lacking in people who restrict their food intake.


3 stars Multivitamin

Take as directed on label

People with eating disorders who restrict their food intake are at risk for multiple nutrient deficiencies, including protein, calcium, iron, riboflavin, niacin,30 folic acid,31 vitamin A, vitamin C,32 and vitamin B6,33 and essential fatty acids.34 A general multivitamin-mineral formula can reduce the detrimental health effects of these deficiencies.


SupplementAmountWhy
5-HTP
Refer to label instructions 1 star 5-HTP has been shown to reduce appetite in weight-control and diabetes trials. However, what effect 5-HTP has on people with eating disorders is unknown


1 star 5-HTP

A serotonin precursor, 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), has been shown to reduce appetite in weight-control and diabetes trials.35 , 36 , 37 However, what effect 5-HTP has, if any, on people with binge eating disorder, bulimia, or anorexia is unknown. Unlike L-tryptophan, 5-HTP is available from health food stores and some pharmacies without prescription.


Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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