TY - JOUR

T1 - How do we assess energy availability and RED-S risk factors in para athletes?

AU - Jonvik, Kristin L

AU - Vardardottir, Birna

AU - Broad, Elizabeth

N1 - (Ekstern)

PY - 2022

Y1 - 2022

N2 - Low energy availability (LEA) is considered to be the underlying cause of a number of maladaptations in athletes, including impaired physiological function, low bone mineral density (BMD), and hormonal dysfunction. This is collectively referred to as 'Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport' (RED-S). LEA is calculated through assessment of dietary energy intake (EI), exercise energy expenditure (EEE) and fat-free mass (FFM). The incidence of LEA in Paralympic athletes is relatively unknown; however, there are legitimate concerns that Para athletes may be at even higher risk of LEA than able-bodied athletes. Unfortunately, there are numerous issues with the application of LEA assessment tools and the criterion for diagnosis within the context of a Para population. The calculation of EEE, in particular, is limited by a distinct lack of published data that cover a range of impairments and activities. In addition, for several RED-S-related factors, it is difficult to distinguish whether they are truly related to LEA or a consequence of the athlete's impairment and medical history. This narrative review outlines deficits and complexities when assessing RED-S and LEA in Para athletes, presents the information that we do have, and provides suggestions for future progress in this important area of sports nutrition.

AB - Low energy availability (LEA) is considered to be the underlying cause of a number of maladaptations in athletes, including impaired physiological function, low bone mineral density (BMD), and hormonal dysfunction. This is collectively referred to as 'Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport' (RED-S). LEA is calculated through assessment of dietary energy intake (EI), exercise energy expenditure (EEE) and fat-free mass (FFM). The incidence of LEA in Paralympic athletes is relatively unknown; however, there are legitimate concerns that Para athletes may be at even higher risk of LEA than able-bodied athletes. Unfortunately, there are numerous issues with the application of LEA assessment tools and the criterion for diagnosis within the context of a Para population. The calculation of EEE, in particular, is limited by a distinct lack of published data that cover a range of impairments and activities. In addition, for several RED-S-related factors, it is difficult to distinguish whether they are truly related to LEA or a consequence of the athlete's impairment and medical history. This narrative review outlines deficits and complexities when assessing RED-S and LEA in Para athletes, presents the information that we do have, and provides suggestions for future progress in this important area of sports nutrition.

KW - Athletes

KW - Energy intake

KW - Humans

KW - Para athletes

KW - Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport

KW - Risk Factors

KW - Faculty of Science

KW - Low energy availability

KW - Resting metabolic rate

KW - Hormones

KW - Bone health

KW - Assessment

U2 - 10.3390/nu14051068

DO - 10.3390/nu14051068

M3 - Review

C2 - 35268044

VL - 14

JO - Nutrients

JF - Nutrients

SN - 2072-6643

IS - 5

M1 - 1068

ER -