Elevated plasma B₁₂ and betaine levels in women with anorexia nervosa: possible role in illness pathophysiology and epigenetic regulation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Phenomenology in anorexia nervosa (AN) appears to be subject to epigenetic regulation via DNA methylation. The micronutrients B₁₂ and betaine contribute directly to DNA methylation and have been shown to be abnormally elevated in blood samples from people with AN.

Methods

We measured plasma B₁₂ and betaine levels, as well as leukocyte DNA methylation levels, among women with active AN (AN-active group), those in 1-year remission from AN (AN-remitted group), and those who had never experienced an eating disorder (NED group). We compared the groups on micronutrient levels and on the strength of association between micronutrients and methylation.

Results

We included 64 women in the AN-active group, 49 in the AN-remitted group, and 49 in t

SUBMITTER: Steiger H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11882200 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature