[Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2021 Nov 25:165:D5899.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports, RED-S, caused by reduced energy availability can lead to a variety of symptoms. Both male and female athletes on all performance levels and ages are at risk of developing RED-S.Case 1 describes a patient with a low energy availability due to a disturbed energy balance with increased training intensity. She presented herself with an amenorrhea, one of the possible symptoms in women. Case 2 describes a patient with fatigue due to low energy availability, caused by an underlying eating disorder. Distincting RED-S from an eating disorder is difficult due to overlapping symptoms, but important given the difference in treatment. Altogether, RED-S can disrupt various body functions, therefore early recognition is desirable. Early recognition may prevent short- and long-term effects and reduce recovery time. Increasing awareness and knowledge on this topic is of great importance.

MeSH terms

  • Athletes
  • Energy Intake
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders* / complications
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport*
  • Sports*