What is Refeeding Syndrome?

Refeeding syndrome is a very dangerous disturbance in fluid and electrolytes that can occur when nutrition is reintroduced after a long period of very restrictive eating. When a body is starved, it starts to use its own fatty acids and amino acids (as it does not have access to carbohydrates for energy).  This leads to the depletion of a number of important electrolytes (minerals such as potassium, magnesium and sodium) in the blood. The depletion of these crucial minerals can cause a variety of clinical complications with the heart, lungs, gut, muscles and nerves. Refeeding syndrome can easily be managed by taking a number of supplements. However if it is not managed, refeeding syndrome can lead to cardiac failure and can be fatal.

Dietitians play a crucial role in assessing for risk of refeeding syndrome and managing risk through appropriately reintroducing nutrition.  If food intake is not increased under the supervision of a dietitian, the wrong foods, too little food or too much food may be consumed, causing further imbalance in your body’s important minerals.  Refeeding should also be done under the supervision of your GP or a psychiatrist who will be able to prescribe the appropriate vitamin supplements and monitor electrolyte shifts with regular blood tests. 

Please download our information sheet Refeeding Syndrome for more information.