Journal article
Prevalence of Surrogate Markers of Relative Energy Deficiency in Male Norwegian Olympic-Level Athletes
International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, Vol.31(6), pp.497-506
2021
PMID: 34489365
Abstract
The syndrome of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) includes wide-ranging effects on physiological and psychological functioning, performance, and general health. However, RED-S is understudied among male athletes at the highest performance levels. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate surrogate RED-S markers prevalence in Norwegian male Olympic-level athletes. Athletes (n = 44) aged 24.7 ± 3.8 years, body mass 81.3 ± 15.9 kg, body fat 13.7% ± 5.8%, and training volume 76.1 ± 22.9 hr/month were included. Assessed parameters included resting metabolic rate (RMR), body composition, and bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and venous blood variables (testosterone, free triiodothyronine, cortisol, and lipids). Seven athletes (16%) grouped by the presence of low RMR (RMRratio < 0.90) (0.81 ± 0.07 vs. 1.04 ± 0.09, p < .001, effect size 2.6), also showed lower testosterone (12.9 ± 5.3 vs. 19.0 ± 5.3 nmol/L, p = .020) than in normal RMR group. In low RMRratio individuals, prevalence of other RED-S markers (—subclinical—low testosterone, low free triiodothyronine, high cortisol, and elevated low-density lipoprotein) was (N/number of markers): 2/0, 2/1, 2/2, 1/3. Low bone mineral density (z-score < −1) was found in 16% of the athletes, all with normal RMR. Subclinical low testosterone and free triiodothyronine levels were found in nine (25%) and two (5%) athletes, respectively. Subclinical high cortisol was found in 23% of athletes while 34% had elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Seven of 12 athletes with two or more RED-S markers had normal RMR. In conclusion, this study found that multiple RED-S markers also exist in male Olympic-level athletes. This highlights the importance of regular screening of male elite athletes, to ensure early detection and treatment of RED-S.
Details
- Title
- Prevalence of Surrogate Markers of Relative Energy Deficiency in Male Norwegian Olympic-Level Athletes
- Authors
- Thomas Birkedal Stenqvist (Author) - University of AgderAnna Katarina Melin (Author) - 2Department of Sport Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar/Växjö, SwedenIna Garthe (Author) - Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (Oslo, Norway) - NIFGary Slater (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyGøran Paulsen (Author) - Norwegian School of Sport SciencesJuma Iraki (Author) - Iraki Nutrition (Fjerdingby, Norway)Jose Areta (Author) - 7Research institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United KingdomMonica Klungland Torstveit (Author) - University of Agder
- Publication details
- International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, Vol.31(6), pp.497-506
- Publisher
- Human Kinetics, Inc.
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0368
- ISSN
- 1543-2742
- PMID
- 34489365
- Copyright note
- Copyright (c) 2021. The author's accepted version is reproduced here in accordance with the publisher's copyright policy. The final definitive version is available at: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0368
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99584806202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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