Tests for signs of malnutrition
As a part of the physical exam for eating disorders, a health professional may order certain tests to see whether your body is generally healthy. These may include blood or urine tests to check:
- Electrolyte levels. Electrolytes are minerals, such as potassium, calcium, and sodium. A severe imbalance of electrolytes can lead to seizures, an irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and other problems.
- Levels of iron, sugar, protein, and fat.
- The function of the kidneys, liver, and thyroid gland.
- Levels of certain hormones, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in women and testosterone in men.
- Levels of vitamins and minerals in the body.
A health professional may also test whether you have difficulty digesting certain foods, such as milk and dairy products.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis | Last Updated: September 25, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. Stewart Agras, MD - Psychiatry | |
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