Projects & Grants
| Prevalence of indicators of low energy availability in athletes | |
|---|---|
| Project Id | SGS12/LF/2024 |
| Main solver | Mgr. Bc. Jan Konvička |
| Period | 1/2024 - 12/2024 |
| Provider | Specifický VŠ výzkum |
| State | solved |
| Anotation | To maintain optimal health and achieve peak performance, it is essential that the athlete regularly ingests higher amounts of energy, protein and micronutrients. Ignoring these needs can cause a syndrome called relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) in athletes. This more recently defined syndrome extends the concept known as the female athletic triad (FAT), characterized by low energy availability associated with eating disorders, reduced bone density, and disruption of the menstrual cycle. RED-S also affects men, who experience, among other things, decreased libido. RED-S can negatively affect immune function, protein synthesis and cardiovascular health. A key contributing factor to this syndrome is energy availability (EA), defined as the difference between total energy intake and energy expenditure during a workout or race, calculated per 1 kg of fat-free body weight. A value of less than 30 kcal/kg of fat-free body mass indicates low energy availability, whereas athletes should achieve a value of at least 45 kcal/kg. The literature indicates a prevalence of low energy availability among athletes ranging from 22-58%. Low energy availability has a serious impact on bone health, leading to loss of bone density, which can eventually lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis later in life. Young athletes have an ideal opportunity to build bone mass, which reaches its peak around the age of 30. A 10% increase in maximum bone density can delay the onset of osteoporosis by 10 years and reduce the risk of fractures over a lifetime by 50%. A combination of a balanced diet and physical activity is the key to achieving maximum bone density. By detecting risk factors early, RED-S can be prevented and avoid negative effects on the athlete's health. |
