Avoiding the Refeeding Syndrome
February 03, 2005
ABSTRACT: Refeeding syndrome (RS) is a rare but potentially fatal condition that can occur during refeeding of severely malnourished individuals (such as anorexia nervosa patients). After prolonged starvation, the body begins to use fat and protein to produce energy because there are not enough carbohydrates. Upon refeeding, there’s a surge of insulin (because of the ingested carbohydrates) and a sudden shift from fat to carbohydrate metabolism. This sudden shift can lead to a whole set of problems that characterize the refeeding syndrome.
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Mehler Philip S. Avoiding the Refeeding Syndrome. Journal of Eating Disorders 3(3):2-3, 2005. (Ltr)