Table 2.1 (cont.) Laboratory Tests Related to Eating Disorders Test
Relationship to eating disorders
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Evaluates kidney function, which can be compromised in severe cases of eating disorders
Elevated in cases of
Dehydration Catabolism of somatic protein as in starvation
Excessive dietary protein intake Impaired kidney function Decreased blood flow to the kid- neys due to congestive heart failure, shock, stress, recent heart attack, or severe burns
Obstructed urine flow Calcium
Note: Blood calcium level does not reflect dietary calcium intake
Hyperparathyroidism Bone cancer
Malnutrition Alcoholism Magnesium deficiency Vitamin D deficiency Hypoparathyroidism