Female Athlete Triad and RED-S

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        The female athlete triad was first described in 1997 by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). It was found in female athletes who had 3 specific health conditions. These include disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Amenorrhea is the lack of a menstrual cycle; and osteoporosis is porous and frail bones. This syndrome can start when females increase energy expenditure through exercise, but do not also increase energy intake (calories). This is known as "relative energy deficiency in sport" also known as RED-S. The triad is also seen in female athletes who require specific weight restrictions, such as gymnasts. When a female is not consuming enough energy, estrogen levels are low and menstruation is delayed. This is why female athletes often suffer from amenorrhea or irregular menstrual cycles. Many female athletes feel pressure to consume a "healthy" diet and maintain an athletic body. This may also lead to the restriction of calories, or the consumption of only "clean" foods. A restrictive diet has been shown to affect bone health. metabolic rate, immune system, protein synthesis, cardiovascular health, and psychological health.
       One of the main issues considered when looking at the female athlete triad is bone health. Females build 60-80% of their life's worth of bone mass between 16 and 18 years old. A restricted diet may result in low consumption of calcium and vitamin D, and poor bone formation. When bones are weak, an athlete may experience more breakages or stress fractures, and severe osteoporosis as they age.
       It is important that sports dietitians, and coaches educate athletes on this issue. Athletes must know what they are at risk for and how important eating a proper diet is for their current and long-term health.

 SR

Sources:
Female athlete triad versus relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S). (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2017, from http://www.eatrightpro.org/resource/news-center/nutrition-trends/diseases-and-conditions/red-s
Preventing Relative Energy Deficiency in Young Female Athletes. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2017, from http://www.eatright.org/resource/fitness/sports-and-performance/tips-for-athletes/preventing-relative-energy-deficiency-in-young-female-athletes       

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