The aim of this study was to determine the effect of folic acid supplementation on homocysteine levels in a group of patients with eating disorders (ED) with low folate intake. The secondary aims were to evaluate the evolution on cognitive and depressive status after the intervention.

Some authors have identified the presence of increased levels of homocysteine in patients with eating disorders and attempts have been made to find some association between this and the high rates of depression and cognitive function impairment recorded in these patients. It is still not known what causes this increase in homocysteine levels, whether the levels return to normal after the nutritional state is normalised and what strategies must be employed to carry out this normalisation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females diagnosed with eating disorders (DSM-IV criteria of the American Psychiatric Association, 2000)
• Age > 18 years
• Low folate intake based on the recommended daily intake in terms of age (Institute of Medicine, 1998)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with contraindications for folic acid supplementation due to hypersensitivity to folic acid or anaemia due to lack of B12
• Patients who routinely used drugs that interfere with folic acid absorption (analgesics, anticonvulsants, hydantoin, carbamazepine, antacids, antibiotics, cholestyramine, methotrexate, pyrimethamine, triamterene, trimethoprim and sulphonamides)
• Patients with vitamin and mineral supplements intake.