Energy availability and its association with health-related outcomes among national athletes at risk of relative energy deficiency in sports (REDs)

Background: Low energy availability (LEA) occurs when athletes' energy intake fails to match the energy expended during exercise, resulting in insufficient energy to support essential functions for optimal health, a condition known as relative energy deficiency in sports (REDs).

Objective: This study aims to explore the prevalence of LEA among Malaysian national athletes and its associations with health-related outcomes.

Methods: A total of 43 athletes (51.2% males, aged 18-40) identified previously as having moderate or high risk of REDs through a questionnaire underwent comprehensive clinical assessments. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured using indirect calorimetry, with an RMR ratio of <0.90 indicating LEA. Weight and height were measured, and fasting blood samples were analysed for ferritin, free triiodothyronine (fT3), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), estradiol (female athletes) and testosterone (male athletes). Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and total left hip, as well as body composition, were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Results: Out of the 43 athletes, 12 showed evidence of LEA, exhibiting at least one of the following characteristics: low estradiol levels (87.5%), low testosterone (75.0%), low fT3 (66.7%), low LH (58.3%), low FSH (58.3%), low ferritin (25.0%) and low BMD (8.3%). Notably, fT3, estradiol and testosterone were significant predictors for LEA.

Conclusions: A low but noteworthy incidence of LEA among Malaysian national athletes was associated with hormone imbalances. Awareness about LEA among athletes and sports personnel is essential for early detection and appropriate intervention.