title: Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and anorexia nervosa: is there a link?
abstract: There has been little research examining the link between dietary fat intake and the symptoms and consequences of anorexia nervosa. In this selective literature review, the potential significance of poly-unsaturated fatty acids is discussed. It is hypothesised that dietary restriction causes essential fatty acid deficiencies and poly-unsaturated fatty acid abnormalities, which might contribute to the physical and mental symptoms and the maintenance of the disorder. The examination of epidemiology, symptoms, co-morbidity, and consequences suggest that poly-unsaturated fatty acid and phospholipid abnormalities are significant in anorexia nervosa. This will be an important area for future research, and may lead to the development of new interventions.
authors.affiliation: Eating Disorders Unit, Huntercombe Stafford Hospital, Ivetsey Bank, WheatonAston, Staffordshire, ST19 9QT UK. agnes.ayton@fshc.co.uk
authors.forename: Agnes K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Ayton
mesh_terms: D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000172:deficiency*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D015995:Prevalence
chemical_list: D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3