Dysbiosis of the Microbiota in Anorexia Nervosa: Pathophysiological Implications

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe and often enduring condition of which the etiology is unknown. Studies on the gut microbiota in AN have found deviations from that of healthy individuals, which may imply a relation to pathophysiology, development and maintenance of the disorder via the gut-brain axis, which has been shown in other disorders. A narrative review of the gut microbiota studies in AN is presented. Several studies point to a dysbiosis in AN which may have implications for maintenance of a low body weight, immunological changes and a severely reduced food intake. An association may be found to clinical symptoms in AN. A pathophysiological model for disease is presented implying a role of the microbiota in maintenance of AN. Dysbiosis in AN may play an important role in the development and maintenance of AN.