Dietary follow-up patients treated for anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Twelve adolescents hospitalized with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa had their diet and nutritional history evaluated 5 years later. Detailed dietary history was obtained for the previous one year using a standard dietary questionnaire and compared to a matching control group. At follow-up the average age of anorexics was 19.7 years and controls 20.8 years. Average weight was the same in anorexics and controls. There were no statistically significant differences in intake of key nutrients, percent of the minimum daily recommended allowance of each nutrient ingested, and food source of calories between anorexics and controls. Both groups exceeded recommended allowances for all nutrients except iron. High levels of vitamin A and ascorbic acid in the diet indicated frequent use of fruits and vegetables by subjects and controls. Unlike previous studies results did not indicate carbohydrate avoidance or abnormal eating behavior. Continued inadequate intake was not typical of these young women with a past history of anorexia nervosa.