The Gut Microbiome in Anorexia Nervosa

Our gut bacteria continuously interact with our organism and influence appetite and food utilization, as well as immunological processes and permeability in the intestine. Direct effects on the brain and our behavior, e.g., in depression, anxiety, or learning behavior, are mediated through the “gut-brain axis”. As all of these areas are affected in anorexia nervosa (AN), the current state of knowledge about the role of gut bacteria in AN is summarized here and possible implications for future therapies are highlighted.