Starving the gut: anorexia may damage intestinal barrier

NCT ID NCT02170467

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study checked whether the gut lining becomes leaky in women with anorexia nervosa due to severe starvation. Researchers measured sugar levels in urine after drinking special sugars to test intestinal permeability in 23 patients and compared them to 46 healthy controls. They also looked at certain antibodies and gut bacteria changes before and after refeeding. The goal is to understand how malnutrition affects the gut barrier in anorexia.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could help explain how starvation affects the gut barrier in anorexia nervosa, potentially guiding future treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a small, observational study with only 23 patients, so results may not apply to everyone. It does not test any treatment.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANOREXIA NERVOSA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anorexia nervosa

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHU- Hôpitaux de Rouen

    Rouen, 76031, France

  • Hôpital de la Croix Rouge

    Bois-Guillaume, 76233, France