Starving the gut: anorexia may damage intestinal barrier

NCT ID NCT02170467

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University Hospital, Rouen Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHU- Hôpitaux de Rouen

Rouen, 76031, France
Hôpital de la Croix Rouge

Bois-Guillaume, 76233, France

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