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Low‐energy density and high fiber intake are dietary concerns in female endurance athletes
Author(s) -
Melin A.,
Tornberg Å. B.,
Skouby S.,
Møller S. S.,
Faber J.,
SundgotBorgen J.,
Sjödin A.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.12516
Subject(s) - athletes , medicine , amenorrhea , female athlete triad , disordered eating , eating disorders , energy density , physical therapy , endocrinology , zoology , biology , pregnancy , psychiatry , physics , theoretical physics , genetics
Low or reduced energy availability ( LEA ) is linked to functional hypothalamic oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea ( FHA ), which is frequently reported in weight‐sensitive sports. This makes LEA a major nutritional concern for female athletes. The aim of this study was to describe dietary characteristics of athletes with LEA and/or FHA . Endurance athletes ( n  = 45) were recruited from national teams and competitive clubs. Protocols included gynecological examination, body composition, eating disorder evaluation, and 7‐day dietary intake and EA assessment. Athletes with disordered eating behavior/eating disorders ( n  = 11), menstrual dysfunction other than FHA ( n  = 5), and low dietary record validity ( n  = 4) were excluded. Remaining subjects ( n  = 25) were characterized by EA [optimal: ≥ 45 kcal (188 kJ)/kg fat‐free mass ( FFM )/day ( n  = 11), LEA : < 45 kcal (188 kJ)/kg FFM /day ( n  = 14)] and reproductive function [eumenorrhea ( EUM ; n  = 10), FHA ( n  = 15)]. There was no difference in EA between FHA and EUM subjects. However, FHA and LEA subjects shared the same dietary characteristics of lower energy density ( ED ) [( P  = 0.012; P  = 0.020), respectively], and fat content [( P  = 0.047; P  = 0.027), respectively]. Furthermore, FHA subjects had a lower intake of carbohydrate‐rich foods ( P  = 0.019), higher fiber content ( P  < 0.001), and drive for thinness score ( P  = 0.003). Conclusively, low ED together with high fiber content may constitute targets for dietary intervention in order to prevent and treat LEA and FHA in female athletes.

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