Norwegian Microbiota Study in Anorexia Nervosa

Launched by NORWEGIAN UNIVERSITY OF LIFE SCIENCES · Nov 17, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Norwegian Microbiota Study in Anorexia Nervosa, also known as the NORMA study, is investigating how the gut bacteria of women with anorexia nervosa (AN) can be affected by diet and treatment. Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that often leads to severe weight loss and many health problems. The study aims to better understand the role of gut microbiota—tiny organisms living in our intestines—and how adjusting certain types of dietary fibers, called prebiotics, might help improve health outcomes for those with AN. This research is especially timely, as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in cases of AN, highlighting the need for new, effective treatments.

Women aged 16 to 50 years with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 and who meet specific criteria for anorexia nervosa can participate in the study. Participants will receive specialized nutritional treatment while the researchers examine how their gut microbiota responds to different dietary changes. The ultimate goal is to develop a personalized treatment plan that can help patients gain weight more safely and improve their overall health. If you or someone you know fits the eligibility criteria and is interested in potentially participating in this important study, it could be a valuable opportunity to contribute to a better understanding of anorexia nervosa and its treatment.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria AN group
• • 1. Sex: Female
• • 2. Age: 16-50 years
• • 3. BMI: \<18.5 kg/m2
• • 4. fulfilling ICD-10 criteria for AN
• • 5. currently referred to specialized inpatient nutritional treatment for AN
• • 6. able to understand the Norwegian questionnaires.
• Exclusion Criteria AND group:
• • 1. history of inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or GI tract surgery;
• • 2. treatment with oral antibiotics the past two months
• • 3. high intake of probiotic supplements over the past two months.
• • Inclusion criteria control group
• • 1. Sex: Female
• • 2. Age: 16-50 years
• • 3. BMI: \>= 18.5 \& \< 27
• • 4. able to understand the Norwegian questionnaires.
• Exclusion Criteria AND group:
• • 1. history of inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or GI tract surgery;
• • 2. treatment with oral antibiotics the past two months
• • 3. high intake of probiotic supplements over the past two months.