Eating Disorders: Nutritional Considerations

• Weight-Loss Treatments: Weight-loss treatments are effective for patients with binge eating disorder. Structured meal plans provided for weight loss may give binge eaters a feeling of greater control over eating.
• Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common in individuals with eating disorders. More than half of patients with anorexia nervosa fail to meet the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin D, calcium, folate, vitamin B₁₂, zinc, magnesium, and copper. Deficiencies are also common for thiamine, niacin, other B vitamins, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
  
  Replacement of these and other nutrients is an important part of nutrition therapy. Zinc in particular has been found to improve recovery in people with anorexia by increasing weight gain and improving anxiety and depression. Calcium and vitamin D may improve osteoporosis.