: How does refeeding syndrome cause pitting edema? In the answer to "How do you feed a starving person in a way that won't kill them?", it is mentioned that refeeding syndrome can cause peripheral edema. How does

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During refeeding syndrome (RFS), intake of carbohydrates causes a massive surge in insulin levels, leading to electrolyte abnormalities. Increased insulin also caused sodium and water retention independent to changes of renal GFR and RPF [1]. Water retention increases capillary hydrostatic pressure, leading to peripheral edema.
Another possible contributor to peripheral edema during RFS is hypoalbuminemia, which decreases capillary oncotic pressure [2].
Sources:

"The Effect of Insulin on Renal Sodium Metabolism". R.A. DeFronzo
"Refeeding syndrome". J. Fuentebella, J.A. Kerner