A recent study led by Danish researchers reveals significant disruptions in the gut microbiome and vitamin B1 deficiencies linked to anorexia nervosa, a complex mental illness not solely motivated by weight loss. The research examined 77 young women with anorexia and found marked changes in their intestinal bacteria and viruses, which may impact appetite regulation and self-perception.
The study utilized advanced DNA technology and bioinformatics to demonstrate correlations between specific gut bacteria changes, blood metabolites, and personality traits associated with anorexia, such as distorted body image and reduced appetite. Mice receiving stool transplants from individuals with anorexia experienced weight gain difficulties and alterations in brain genes regulating appetite, highlighting the gut-brain connection.
This work lays the groundwork for potential innovative treatments, including probiotics, microbiome transplants, and vitamin B1 supplementation, addressing the disrupted microbial ecosystems in anorexia patients. Researchers advocate for clinically controlled trials to explore these adjunct therapies alongside traditional treatments like psychotherapy and dietary changes. Their aim is to contribute to a more personalized approach in managing this complex disorder, with future studies potentially involving antibiotics to restore microbiome balance followed by fecal transplants from healthy donors.
