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Susan Hewlings, R.D., Ph.D., on her findings in the Nutrients review, “Eating Disorders and Dietary Supplements: A Review of the Science”
Review indicates lack of evidence linking eating disorders with dietary supplements
Public health policy should focus on scientifically established approaches to reduce the prevalence of eating disorders, rather than inappropriately connecting dietary supplement use as a cause, which is not supported by the evidence and may interfere with treatment, a new publication commissioned by CRN and authored by Susan Hewlings, Ph.D., R.D., explains.
The article, “Eating Disorders and Dietary Supplements: A Review of the Science,” notes the lack of evidence to suggest a causative role for dietary supplements in eating disorders.
Why it matters: Recent policy recommendations based on poorly designed research, which include non-validated surveys that do not accurately classify dietary supplements, are problematic and irresponsible.
What they’re saying: “Risk factors for developing an eating disorder are multidimensional and complex and often co-occur with the diagnosis of depression or anxiety,” observed Dr. Hewlings. “The literature indicates that eating disorder incidence is secondary to mental health conditions.”
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of 2017–2018 revealed that the most frequently used dietary supplements in adolescents were multivitamins, vitamin D, and vitamin C—weight loss or weight gain supplements were not identified as supplements used most often by adolescents.
Yes, and: Dietary supplements—ranging from multivitamins, botanicals, protein supplements, and more—are standards of care for those being treated for an eating disorder, noted the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in its Revised 2020 Standards of Practice for the Professional Practice of the Registered Dietitian.