ICJIM
Intercontinental Journal of Internal Medicine

The Intercontinental Journal of Internal Medicine aims to publish issues related to all fields of internal medicine of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

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Letter to the Editor
Resetting the gut-brain axis in AN: the promise and pitfalls of FMT
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder associated with high morbidity, mortality, and limited therapeutic options. Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota and disruptions of the microbiota–gut–brain axis may contribute to the pathophysiology of AN by influencing appetite regulation, metabolism, and neuropsychiatric function. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which involves the transfer of gut microbiota from a healthy donor to a recipient, has emerged as a potential microbiome-based intervention aimed at restoring microbial balance and improving clinical outcomes. Preliminary studies have demonstrated improvements in gut microbial diversity, gastrointestinal function, and weight-related outcomes following FMT in individuals with AN. However, current evidence remains limited, with most data derived from animal models, case reports, and small pilot studies. Significant challenges include the lack of standardized treatment protocols, uncertain long-term safety, and ethical concerns regarding use in vulnerable populations. While FMT represents a promising avenue for future research, robust randomized controlled trials are required to establish its efficacy, safety, and role in clinical practice. At present, FMT should be regarded as a complementary investigational approach rather than a standard treatment for anorexia nervosa.

Keywords : Anorexia nervosa, fecal microbiota transplantation, gut-brain axis

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 3, 2026
Page : 74-75
https://doi.org/10.51271/ICJIM-0081
Article Information
Received : 09 Haz 2026
Accepted : 05 Ağu 2026
Published : 31 Ağu 2026
Corresponding Author :

Rohma Zubairi: Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan

[email protected]
Citation : Sheikh M, Gul DA, Siddiqui KI, Hussain ZI, Zubairi R. Resetting the gut-brain axis in AN: the promise and pitfalls of FMT. Intercont J Int Med. 2026;4(3):74-75. doi:10.51271/ICJIM-0081

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