The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Anorexia Nervosa in Children and Adults-Systematic Review

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Dec 19;25(1):41. doi: 10.3390/ijms25010041.

Abstract

Among the factors incriminated in the appearance of eating disorders, intestinal microbiota has recently been implicated. Now there is evidence that the composition of gut microbiota is different in anorexia nervosa. We gathered many surveys on the changes in the profile of gut microbiota in patients with anorexia nervosa. This review comprehensively examines the contemporary experimental evidence concerning the bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and the brain. Drawing from recent breakthroughs in this area of research, we propose that the gut microbiota significantly contributes to the intricate interplay between the body and the brain, thereby contributing to overall healthy homeostasis while concurrently impacting disease risk, including anxiety and mood disorders. Particular attention is devoted to elucidating the structure and functional relevance of the gut microbiota in the context of Anorexia Nervosa.

Keywords: adults; anorexia; children; gut–brain axis; microbiota.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anorexia Nervosa*
  • Anxiety
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Child
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.