By: Alyssa Real When it comes to athletic performance, many athletes prioritize training and nutrition to achieve their goals. However, one factor that is not as well-known is the impact of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) on bone health. RED-S is a condition that occurs when an athlete does not consume enough calories to support their energy needs, leading to a deficiency in important nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and fat (Dengel, 2014). This deficiency can impact bone health in several ways.
One of the most significant impacts of RED-S on bone health is decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Bone density is a measure of the amount of minerals, such as calcium, present in bone tissue. When an athlete experiences RED-S, their body may begin to break down bone tissue in order to release stored minerals, leading to decreased BMD. This can increase the risk of stress fractures and other injuries, as well as contribute to long-term bone loss. In addition to decreased BMD, RED-S can also impact bone health by altering hormonal balance. Specifically, RED-S can lead to decreased levels of estrogen in female athletes and decreased levels of testosterone in male athletes. These hormones play a crucial role in maintaining bone health, with estrogen promoting bone formation and testosterone preventing bone loss. When levels of these hormones decrease, bone health can be negatively impacted (Elliot-Sale et. Al, 2017). These decreased levels of hormones are why RED-S can impact bone health through delayed puberty. In female athletes, RED-S can delay the onset of puberty or cause irregular menstrual cycles, which can impact the development of bone mass during adolescence. This can have long-term effects on bone health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life. Prevention and treatment of RED-S is crucial for maintaining bone health in athletes. Athletes should prioritize adequate nutrition to make sure they are consuming enough calories to support their energy needs. Also, regular monitoring of BMD and hormonal levels can help identify any potential issues and allow for early intervention. It is also important for athletes to prioritize rest and recovery, as well as reducing stress and other factors that can impact hormonal balance. Working with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian who specializes in sports nutrition can be beneficial for developing a nutrition plan that supports energy needs and promotes optimal bone health. It is important to recognize that RED-S can have a significant impact on bone health in athletes, increasing the risk of stress fractures, long-term bone loss, and other injuries. Athletes should prioritize adequate nutrition, rest, recovery, and hormonal balance to prevent RED-S and maintain optimal bone health. By taking a proactive approach to nutrition and recovery, athletes can support their overall health and achieve their athletic goals. RED-S can impact athletes of all genders and ages. References DXA and relative energy deficiency in sport (red-S). Dexalytics News // DXA and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) //. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2023 Papageorgiou, M., Dolan, E., Elliott-Sale, K. J., & Sale, C. (2018, April). Reduced energy availability: Implications for bone health in physically active populations. European journal of nutrition. Retrieved April 3, 2023
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April 2023
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