Commonly accepted indicators of low energy availability risk failed to identify female amateur soccer players experiencing low energy availability during pre-season

Rebekka Fraser, Amy-Lee Bowler, Dominique Condo, Gregory Roland Cox, Fiona E. Pelly, Gary R. Slater

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction:
This study aimed to determine energy availability (EA) and within day energy balance (WDEB) in women soccer players during pre-season by assessing energy intake, energy expenditure (EE), physique and systemic glucose availability. We also explored eating disorder risk and factors influencing athlete food choice. We hypothesised that indicators of low energy availability (LEA) risk would correlate with calculated EA and WDEB variables, and that food choice determinants would differ according to EA status.

Methods:
Eleven National Premier League women soccer players (mean±SD: age 20.2±4.1 years, body mass 63.6±6.8kg, height 170.9±7.6cm) participated in this observational cross-sectional study over three weeks. Laboratory testing, including resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessment and physique traits including bone mineral density (BMD) was conducted during weeks one and three. During week two, dietary intake, EE and continuous monitor-derived glucose was measured for five days. EA was calculated daily and WDEB calculated hourly with deficits/surpluses carried continuously throughout the five days. Questionnaires were administered throughout the three weeks to assess food choice determinants, plus eating disorder and LEA risk, including the Athlete Food Choice Questionnaire, the Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes (EDSA) and the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q). RMR ratio, BMD, LEAF-Q and EDSA scores were used as indicators of LEA risk.

Results:
Daily energy and carbohydrate intakes were 42.8±1.8kcal/kg FFM/d and 3.5±0.2g/kg BM/d; and EA averaged 30.7±7.5kcals/kg FFM/d. Approximately one-third (36%) of athletes were at risk of an eating disorder, while approximately half (45%) were at risk of LEA via LEAF-Q, compared with approximately one-third (36%) of athletes identified with measured LEA (<30kcal/kg FFM/d). No athlete achieved optimal EA (>45kcal/kg FFM/d) and no indicator of LEA risk was associated with calculated EA or WDEB. However overnight glycaemic variability was positively correlated with EA (r=0.722, p=0.012). Food choice determinants did not differ by EA status.

Conclusions:
No athlete met optimal EA on training days, and there was a lack of association between calculated EA and commonly used indicators of LEA risk, including RMR ratio, LEAF-Q and BMD. Reduced variability in overnight glucose measures were associated with calculated EA and warrants further investigation as emerging variables in the identification of LEA.
Original languageEnglish
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Oct 2023
Event2023 SDA Conference: Sports Dietitians Australia - University of Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
Duration: 27 Oct 202328 Oct 2023
https://www.sportsdietitians.com.au/product/2023-sda-conference-early-bird-member-remote-2-days/

Conference

Conference2023 SDA Conference
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySippy Downs
Period27/10/2328/10/23
OtherWe are assembling a line-up of experienced and well-respected professionals to discuss key advancements in sports nutrition research that will influence sports nutrition practice now and in the future.
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