ABSTRACT
The spectrum of eating disorders includes anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and eating disorder-not otherwise speci˜ed, which includes binge eating disorder (BED), the most prevalent of all eating disorders. The nutritional management of individuals with eating disorders can be challenging. The underlying psychiatric disorder distorts self-image and ultimately leads to either insuf˜cient nutrient intake (AN) or nutrient losses from self-imposed malabsorption by the use of cathartics (BN). As well, individuals with BED may experience nutrient de˜ciencies related to chronic dieting behaviors. Functional bowel complaints occur in over 50% of individuals with eating disorders, which can be a result of the eating behaviors, but may also impair nutrient intake during refeeding (McClain et al. 1993). Furthermore, eating disorders can result in other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, which can likewise restrict caloric intake (esophageal strictures, gastroparesis) or malabsorption (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). In some cases, the development of a primary digestive disorder can trigger the onset of an eating disorder. The approach to eating disorders requires integration of psychiatric and nutritional regimens.
