There aren’t specific supplements recommended for ARFID because nutritional deficiencies vary depending on the specific foods that are avoided and/or restricted. Clinicians typically use tests to assess the individual ‘s nutritional status and in some cases may prescribe specific nutritional formulas, oral supplements (e.g., multivitamins), or tube feeding to compensate for the lack of nutrients. However, these measures are usually temporary and are supported by other therapeutic strategies aimed at reintroducing foods or increasing overall food intake in the long term.[1]
It is important to note that it’s quite common for people diagnosed with ARFID to overuse supplements (e.g., multivitamins, nutritional formula) or to be dependent on supplements to compensate for the lack of nutrients in their diet. Although this is not considered a healthy behavior, introducing some nutrients is better than none at all. Clinicians, families, and caregivers are encouraged to avoid abruptly changing these habits and instead work on gradual strategies to incorporate new foods or increase food consumption over time.[2]