Vitamin & Mineral Supplements for Eating Disorder Recovery
Recovering from an eating disorder involves more than restoring weight or eating regular meals. Years—or even months—of nutritional restriction can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, impacting everything from mood and immunity to bone health and cognitive function.
While food is the most effective and sustainable source of nutrients, targeted supplementation can play a supportive role in healing—especially during early recovery when intake is limited or refeeding is underway.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common vitamin and mineral concerns in eating disorder recovery, when and why supplements are used, and what to expect with repletion.
Why Supplementation May Be Needed in Recovery
Eating disorders—especially anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and ARFID—can result in:
Insufficient intake of key nutrients
Malabsorption due to gastrointestinal changes
Increased losses through vomiting, laxative use, or diarrhea
Delayed bone growth and healing
Compromised mental and metabolic health
Supplements can be a bridge toward meeting nutrient needs while food intake increases and medical stability improves. However, not all individuals in recovery need supplementation, and lab work and clinical symptoms should guide decisions.
Commonly Recommended Vitamins and Minerals in Eating Disorder Recovery
1. Vitamin D
Why it matters: Supports bone density, immune function, and mood regulation
Deficiency is common in restrictive disorders and those with limited sun exposure
Supplementation: Often 1,000–4,000 IU/day depending on labs
Best absorbed with fat-containing foods
2. Calcium
Why it matters: Critical for bone repair, nerve function, and heart rhythm
Low intake is common in restriction and dairy avoidance
Supplementation: Usually 1,000–1,200 mg/day, often split into 2 doses
Consider pairing with Vitamin D for optimal absorption
3. Iron
Why it matters: Needed for red blood cell production and oxygen transport
Deficiency symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness
Causes of deficiency: Inadequate intake, purging, heavy menstrual cycles
Supplementation: Only with provider guidance; excessive iron can cause harm
Best absorbed with vitamin C, on an empty stomach (but may cause GI upset)
4. Zinc
Why it matters: Supports appetite regulation, immunity, and wound healing
Deficiency symptoms: Taste changes, poor wound healing, low appetite
Role in recovery: May support return of hunger cues
Supplementation: Often 15–30 mg/day
Best taken with food to avoid nausea
5. B Vitamins (Especially B1/Thiamine and B12)
Why they matter: Support energy metabolism, brain function, and nerve health
B1 (Thiamine): Often supplemented during refeeding to prevent refeeding syndrome (100 mg/day or more)
B12: Can be low in those who restrict animal products or purge regularly
Symptoms: Fatigue, numbness/tingling, memory issues
6. Magnesium
Why it matters: Supports muscle function, bone strength, and nervous system balance
Deficiency can result from laxative/diuretic use or refeeding
Symptoms: Cramping, insomnia, anxiety, constipation
Supplementation: 200–400 mg/day; magnesium glycinate or citrate are often well-tolerated
7. Potassium
Why it matters: Crucial for heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and hydration balance
Deficiency risks: Especially high in purging disorders
Low potassium can be dangerous and requires immediate medical treatment
Supplementation: Typically prescribed in a medical setting; do not self-supplement
8. Multivitamin
A broad-spectrum daily multivitamin can be helpful to fill in nutritional gaps, especially early in recovery
Not a replacement for food, but a support during transitions
Choose brands with no more than 100% RDA of most nutrients to avoid megadosing
When Supplements Are Not Enough
Supplements can support—but not substitute—whole food nourishment. Over-relying on pills can:
Reinforce restrictive mindsets ("I’m getting what I need without eating")
Fail to meet calorie, protein, and fiber needs
Worsen GI issues if taken in excess (e.g., iron or magnesium)
Additionally, some nutrients require the synergy of food to be properly absorbed and utilized.
How to Safely Use Supplements in Recovery
Work with a physician or dietitian experienced in eating disorders
Base decisions on lab values, dietary patterns, and symptoms—not guesswork
Reassess needs as intake improves; many supplements are short-term supports
Watch for supplement misuse as a compensatory behavior (e.g., laxative use, appetite suppression)
Special Populations & Considerations
Teens and young adults may need additional calcium, vitamin D, and iron
Vegetarians/vegans may need B12, iron, omega-3, and zinc support
Those with ARFID may benefit from chewable or liquid forms when textures are an issue
During refeeding, close monitoring of electrolytes and thiamine is essential
Final Thoughts
In eating disorder recovery, supplements can be tools—not crutches. They’re most effective when used to support nutritional adequacy, correct deficiencies, and protect medical stability, particularly in the early phases of healing.
But true recovery is rooted in whole-body nourishment, emotional healing, and a return to trusting food—not just relying on pills.
Always consult with your care team before starting any supplement, and remember: you are healing from the inside out—and your body deserves support, not shortcuts.
References
Mehler, P. S., & Andersen, A. E. (2015). Eating Disorders: A Guide to Medical Care and Complications. Johns Hopkins University Press.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (2023). Nutrient fact sheets.
Golden, N. H., & Katzman, D. K. (2016). Medical management of eating disorders in adolescents. Pediatrics, 138(3).
Gibson, D., & Mehler, P. S. (2019). Prevention and management of refeeding syndrome in anorexia nervosa. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 34(2), 214–220.
El Ghoch, M., & Dalle Grave, R. (2018). Nutritional treatment of eating disorders in adolescents and young adults. Journal of Adolescent Health, 62(5), 577–582.
