Low energy availability in group of Polish female soccer players

Background: The most important element of a well-balanced diet is a proper energetic value. Energy deficiencies are often observed in athletes, especially women. Energy deficiencies can lead to low energy availability which can cause serious health problems and affect exercise capacities. There is, therefore, a risk of health complications and reduced physical performance among female soccer players.

Objective: The aim of this study was to check the frequency of low energy availability appearance in a group of women training soccer, which could results in negative health effects due to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).

Material and methods: Thirty-one professional female soccer players practicing on different league levels (Extra-league, I league, II league) participated in the study. The participants had their height and body mass measured. To assess the Energy Intake the method of 3-day dietary food recording was used. Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) and Exercise Energy Expenditure (EEE) was measured by means of an Armband SenseWear Pro3 device. The content of fat free mass was assessed with Akern BIA 101 Anniversary Sport Edition device.

Results: The body mass median of participants was 58 kg. The average height was 166±5 cm, and the average BMI was 21.4±2 kg/m2. TEE was 2703±392 kcal/day, while EEE was 515 kcal (203-597 kcal). Energy intake was 1548±452 kcal/day. Energy availability was 25±11 kcal/kg fat free mass/day. Twenty of the study participants had low energy availability. The percentage of EEE in TEE was 17.93±3.14%.

Conclusions: Low energy availability was demonstrated in the vast majority of studied group, which may lead to negative health consequences or reduction of exercise capacity.