Promoting Gut Microbiome Diversity in Anorexic Patients: A Neurobiological Review

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN), one of the most prevalent eating disorders in the US, is characterized by abnormally low body weight due to an obsessive fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of one’s own body image and weight. This review aims to provide critical insights into the impact of improving patients’ gut microbiome diversity, and the use of probiotics, vitamins, and other supplements as potential therapeutic targets for AN. Given the intricate relationship between gut health and psychological well-being, researchers have proposed enhancing gut microbiome diversity through dietary supplements as a potential adjunctive treatment. The proposed thesis asserts that dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and probiotics can be a potential neurobiological treatment method for AN, based on their known ability to modulate gutmicrobiome diversity and address alterations in the gut-brain axis that are present in AN. Current treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family-based therapy, focus primarily on psychological and behavioral aspects. However, they may benefit from a more integrative approach that includes neurobiological treatments targeting the gutbrain axis. This review explores the pathophysiology of AN, the gut-brain axis, and the potential for dietary supplements to modulate gut microbiome composition and improve therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, it discusses the implications of such treatments in combination with existing therapies and explains why further research is needed to establish personalized treatment plans for AN patients based on their unique microbiome profiles.