Can the Intestinal Microbiota Play a Role in Eating Disorder Pathology and Treatment? A Review of the Literature

The present review describes, evaluates, and synthesizes the existing literature on the relationship of intestinal microbiota to neurological and psychological processes, diet composition, feeding behavior, and eating disorders (EDs). Given the substantive evidence that (1) diet composition and feeding patterns impact the composition and diversity of the intestinal microbiota and (2) the intestinal microbiota impact cognitive and emotional functioning, it should perhaps come as no surprise that the first studies on ED patients’ microbiota reveal significant alterations in composition and diversity. Whether these alterations are a consequence of or contributor to ED pathology – or perhaps both – remains to be determined. Pending further research, clinicians can promote microbial diversity and SCFA production by the judicious use of multi-strain probiotics, functional foods, and complementary therapies. The not-unfounded hope is that such measures can, at the very least, help relieve some of the psychological and GI symptoms associated with EDs, thereby lessening the barriers to recovery.Master of Public Healt