Semi-starvation and microbiota: a catastrophic perpetuum mobile in anorexia nervosa.

This project investigates biological processes of semi-starvation steering nutritional choices in anorexia nervosa (AN).  The causal relationship of affect-related decision-making with microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels, produced from dietary fiber in the gut by its microbiota, is investigated.  This project will increase knowledge on underlying causality of AN patients' perpetuating aberrant food choices and may help improve refeding methods in treatment.