Abstract

Background: Eating disorders are frequently linked to protein-energy malnutrition, resulting from chronic energy intake reduction, and leading to reduced body weight and altered body composition. A nutritional approach based on the supplementation with a mixture of essential amino acids has proven effective in conditions characterized by reduced dietary intake and increased degradation of endogenous proteins and might also contribute to correct the amino acid deficiency possibly involved in the pathogenesis of eating disorders.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effects of amino acid supplementation in conjunction with a standard psycho-nutritional rehabilitation program on body composition, symptoms and psychopathology status in 30 female patients with eating disorders hospitalized at the Residenza Palazzo Francisci in Todi, Italy.

Methods: Enrolled patients were divided in two groups receiving amino acid supplementation for 45 and 90 days, respectively. Each patient underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline, after 45 days and after 90 days. Validated psychometric tests were administered at study entry and study end to all enrolled patients.

Results: Results from bioelectrical impedance analysis suggest that amino acid supplementation contributes to restoring nutritional and metabolic balance, with effects proportional to the duration of administration. Conversely, interpreting the effects on psychopathologic state and symptoms was challenging, probably due to the small sample size and short observation period.

Conclusions: Prolonged amino acid supplementation may play a role in the management of patients with eating disorders, favoring the correction of the catabolic state and possibly contributing to improvement of the psychopathologic state.

Keywords: Eating disorders, protein-energy malnutrition, amino acid supplementation, body composition