Revista de Pesquisa Científica da Nutrição

Abstrato

Prevalence of Low Energy Availability in Collegiate Female Runners and Implementation of Nutrition Education Intervention

Jennifer Day, Heidi Wengreen, Edward Heath and Katie Brown

Objective: This study examined the prevalence of low energy availability in a sample of female collegiate athletes (N=25) then delivered nutrition education related to the female athlete triad and assessed change in knowledge and dietary behaviors. Methods: Average energy intake was assessed pre- and post-education using Automated Self-Administered 24- Hour Dietary Recalls. We assessed body composition with multiple-site skinfold measures. Energy expenditure was assessed with accelerometers and a physical activity diary over a 3-day period. A 73-item questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and behavior changes. Results: At baseline, 92% had an index of energy availability <45 kcal/kg of fat free mass/day. 40% of participants were amenorrheic, and 32% had a history of stress fractures. There was an increase in summed nutrition knowledge, post-nutrition education (p=0.001), but no increase in caloric intake (p=0.979). Conclusion: Low energy availability was common in this sample of female collegiate track athletes, but did not improve with a targeted intervention.