Female Athlete Triad and RED-S

-
        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       

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prev...
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 rec...
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 Decembe...
Read more