Gut Feelings: How Microbiota Might Impact the Development and Course of Anorexia Nervosa

Nutrients, vol. 12, pp. 3295

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) can probably be regarded as a "model" for studying the interaction of nutrition with the gut-brain axis, which has drawn increased attention from researchers and clinicians alike. The gut microbiota influences somatic effects, such as energy extraction from food and body weight gain, as well as appetite, gut permeability, inflammation and complex psychological behaviors, such as depression or anxiety, all of which play important roles in AN. As nutrition is one of the main factors that influence the gut microbiota, nutritional restriction and selective eating in AN are likely influencing factors; however, nutritional rehabilitation therapy is surprisingly understudied. Here, we review the general mechanisms of the interactions between nutrition, the gut microbiota and the host that may be relevant to AN, paying special attention to the gut-brain axis, and we present the first specific findings in patients with AN and corresponding animal models. In particular, nutritional interventions, including food selection, supplements, and pre-, pro- and synbiotics that have the potential to influence the gut microbiota, are important research targets to potentially support future AN therapy.

Authors 4

1. Jochen Seitz corresponding Aachen Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH University Hospital, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074 Aachen, Germany

2. Brigitte Dahmen Aachen Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH University Hospital, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074 Aachen, Germany

3. Lara Keller Aachen Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH University Hospital, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074 Aachen, Germany

4. Beate Herpertz‐Dahlmann Aachen Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH University Hospital, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074 Aachen, Germany