Nutritional anaemia in eating disorders

Backgrounds: Eating disorders (ED) are usually associated to anaemia. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of iron metabolism disturbances and anaemia in a sample of ED patients, as well as to follow up those disturbances during the treatment. Methods: A total of 607 ED outpatients were studied, assessing the iron metabolism and anaemia in two different moments, the first one at the beginning of the treatment, and the second one six months later. Results: At the beginning 112 patients (18.4%) had a negative iron balance, 35 patients (5.7%) had an iron deficient erythropoiesis and 16 patients (2.7%) had iron deficiency anaemia. The total prevalence of anaemia was 12%. These percentages decreased after six months under treatment, and the significant differences in some disturbances, which had been found related to purging behaviours, were disappearing during the treatment. Conclusions: Blood parameters have to be assessed as a part of the general exploration of ED patients the, being purging types the most related to haematological disturbances. An inadequate diet and purging behaviours are usually involved in the origin of those disturbances, and the dietetic treatment must include and adequate intake of micronutrients as well as intake of supplements if necessary. (C) 2010 SENC. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.