title: Controlled trial of zinc supplementation in anorexia nervosa.
abstract: Zinc supplementation of anorexia nervosa (AN) patients has been reported to increase the weight gain of AN patients in open trials. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial 100 mg of zinc gluconate, or placebo, was given daily to 35 female AN inpatients until they achieved a 10% increase in body mass index (BMI). The rate of increase in BMI of the zinc supplemented group (n = 16) was twice that of the placebo group (n = 19), and this difference was statistically significant (p = .03). The use of zinc supplementation should be considered in the treatment of AN patients.
authors.affiliation: Eating Disorders Clinic, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Birmingham
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Goldner
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bakan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005260:Female; D005942:Gluconates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D005942:Gluconates; C030691:gluconic acid