Eating Disorders: Malnutrition Tests
Topic Overview
As a part of the physical exam for Reference eating disorders Opens New Window, a doctor may order certain tests to see whether your body is generally healthy. These may include blood or urine tests to check:
- Reference Electrolyte Opens New Window 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 Reference thyroid gland Opens New Window.
- Levels of certain Reference hormones Opens New Window, such as Reference luteinizing hormone (LH) Opens New Window and Reference follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Opens New Window in women and Reference testosterone Opens New Window in men.
- Levels of Reference vitamins Opens New Window and Reference minerals Opens New Window in the body.
A doctor may also test whether you have difficulty digesting certain foods, such as milk and dairy products.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 25, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD, MD - Family Medicine
Reference W. Stewart Agras, MD - Psychiatry |
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