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Optimising Nutrition in Recovery: Why Supplements Are an Important Tool

Updated: Dec 23

Recovering from an eating disorder is about more than just reaching a healthy weight. It’s about repairing your body, restoring your brain, and rebuilding strength. While food is always the main source of nutrients, sometimes it’s not enough—especially in early recovery. This is where supplements can play a crucial role.


Why Supplements Aren’t a “Cop-Out”

Many people worry that taking supplements means they’re “cheating” or not doing recovery properly. In reality, supplements are a practical tool to fill gaps in nutrition and support healing. They help your body repair faster and protect against complications caused by long-term malnutrition.

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Common Nutritional Gaps in Recovery

Eating disorders can lead to deficiencies in:

  • Vitamins and minerals: like vitamin D, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins

  • Protein: essential for muscle repair and energy

  • Essential fatty acids: especially omega-3s, which support brain health and mood

These nutrients are important for energy, focus, immunity, and even bone and heart health. Sometimes, food alone isn’t enough to restore these stores quickly, especially if appetite is low or certain foods are challenging to eat.

How Supplements Help

  1. Restore Nutrient Levels FasterSupplements help correct deficiencies more quickly than food alone, supporting your organs and brain as they recover.

  2. Support Brain and Mental HealthNutrients like omega-3s, B vitamins, and magnesium support brain function, concentration, and mood—helping you engage more fully in therapy and daily life.

  3. Protect Your BodyCalcium, vitamin D, and protein supplements help prevent bone loss and muscle wasting, common complications in recovery.

  4. Fill Practical GapsIf you struggle to eat enough due to appetite, texture issues, or fear foods, supplements provide a safe and reliable way to get what your body needs.

Common Supplements Used in Recovery

  • Multivitamins and minerals

  • Vitamin D and calcium

  • Omega-3 fatty acids

  • Iron (if needed)

  • Protein powders or ready-to-drink nutritional supplements

Working With a Professional

Supplements should always be personalised. A dietitian or healthcare provider can assess your nutrient levels and recommend the right type and dose safely.

The Bottom Line

Using supplements is not a shortcut—it’s a strategy to optimise recovery. They help fill nutritional gaps, protect your body, and support brain health. Paired with balanced meals and therapy, supplements give your body the best chance to heal fully and build long-term resilience.

References

  • Crisp, A. (2016). Nutritional considerations in the treatment of eating disorders. European Eating Disorders Review, 24(5), 343–349.

  • Gaudiani, J. (2015). Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders. Routledge.

  • Golden, N. H., et al. (2016). Nutritional rehabilitation in adolescents with anorexia nervosa: A clinical review. Journal of Adolescent Health, 59(6), 613–620.

  • Halmi, K. A., et al. (2017). Nutritional supplements in eating disorder treatment: Clinical guidelines. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 50(9), 1032–1040.

  • Jacka, F. N., et al. (2017). Nutritional psychiatry: The role of diet in mental health. Biological Psychiatry, 81(4), 276–284.

  • Mehler, P. S., & Brown, C. (2015). Anorexia nervosa — medical complications. Journal of Eating Disorders, 3, 11.

 
 
 

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