Chapter 14 - Microbiome and Inflammation in Eating Disorders

Abstract

Increasing evidence shows an important role of gut microbial communities influencing metabolism and weight regulation as well as immunologic and inflammatory processes and altering the brain and behavior (gut-brain axis). In anorexia nervosa (AN), microbial diversity was altered correlating with depressive and disordered eating symptoms. More protein- and mucin-fermenting taxa found in AN could induce increased gut wall permeability and explain chronic low-grade inflammation. Bacterial antigen–induced antibodies cross-reactive against hunger and satiety hormones were associated with eating disorder symptoms. Microbiome-targeted nutritional interventions including pre- and probiotics could prove valuable additions to future AN therapy, targeting weight gain, inflammation, and psychological symptoms.