Differences in serum zn levels in acutely ill and recovered adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa--a pilot study.

Preliminary evidence suggests that changes in zinc (Zn) metabolism are associated with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, data are scarce regarding potential differences in serum Zn concentrations in adolescent and young adult patients with AN. It was the aim of the present pilot study to compare serum Zn concentrations between acutely ill and remitted adolescent and young adult female patients with AN and female controls. Zn concentrations were higher in remitted compared with acutely ill patients. Zn concentrations were also higher in remitted patients compared with controls, but there was no significant difference in Zn concentrations between acutely ill patients and controls. The present study provides preliminary evidence for differences in serum Zn status in recovered patients with AN. These differences are likely influenced by reported food preferences, in particular as regards Ca²⁺ and phosphorus-containing foods. However, because of limited statistical power, future research involving larger samples is necessary.