Study of Essential Amino Acid Supplementation to Improve Lean Body Mass in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa During Hospital Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying anorexia nervosa AN, a condition that causes severe weight loss and health problems. This research aims to see if a specific blend of essential amino acids EAA can help increase lean body mass in patients with AN while they undergo weight restoration treatment. The study also looks at changes in body weight, physical fitness, and psychological health over 13 weeks, comparing EAA supplementation to a placebo. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the EAA blend or a placebo during a 13-week inpatient or day hospital treatment. The EAA supplement is given orally twice daily at a dose of 4.5 grams. Both groups will receive intensive enhanced cognitive behavior therapy CBT-E aimed at weight recovery and managing eating disorder symptoms. After the initial 13 weeks, participants may continue EAA treatment for an additional 24 weeks to assess longer-term effects. During the study, patients will have medical evaluations, physical exams, and questionnaires to assess body composition, eating disorder symptoms, general psychological health, and physical fitness. Lean body mass will be measured at the start and end of hospitalization. Researchers will monitor progress weekly, and follow-up assessments will occur after 24 weeks. The entire participation period includes inpatient treatment and possible extended supplementation, lasting up to 37 weeks in total.

Amino Acids in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa: Double-blind Randomized Study Versus Placebo