Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and anorexia nervosa: is there a link?

There has been little research examining the link between dietary fat intake and the symptoms and consequences of anorexia nervosa. In this selective literature review, the potential significance of poly-unsaturated fatty acids is discussed. It is hypothesised that dietary restriction causes essential fatty acid deficiencies and poly-unsaturated fatty acid abnormalities, which might contribute to the physical and mental symptoms and the maintenance of the disorder. The examination of epidemiology, symptoms, co-morbidity, and consequences suggest that poly-unsaturated fatty acid and phospholipid abnormalities are significant in anorexia nervosa. This will be an important area for future research, and may lead to the development of new interventions.