Caffeine, artificial sweetener, and fluid intake in anorexia nervosa

Objective: This article provides an analysis of the use of artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and excess fluids in patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN). Method: Seventy participants with AN were recruited to participate in an ecologic momentary assessment study which included nutritional analysis using the Nutrition Data Systems for Research, a computer based dietary recall system. Results: When subtypes were compared, participants with AN-restricting subtype (AN-R) and participants with AN-Binge-Purge (AN-B/P) did not differ in quantity of aspartame, caffeine, or water consumed. Daily water consumption was related to daily vomiting frequency in AN-B/P but not to daily exercise frequency in either participants with AN-R or AN-B/P. Discussion: Caffeine, water, and aspartame consumption can be variable in patients with AN and the consumption of these substances seems to be only modestly related to purging behavior.