Energy and Nutrient Status of Amenorrheic Athletes Participating in a Diet and Exercise Training Intervention Program

Abstract

Chronic energy deficit is one of the strongest factors contributing to exercise-induced menstrual dysfunction. In such cases, macro- and micronutrient intakes may also be low. This study presents the results of a diet and exercise training intervention program, designed to reverse athletic amenorrhea, on improving energy balance and nutritional status in 4 amenorrheic athletes. The 20-week program provided a daily sport nutrition supplement and 1 day of rest/week. The intervention improved self-reported energy intake (El) and balance in all participants. The program increased protein intakes for the 3 athletes with a protein deficit to within the recommended levels for active individuals. Micronutrient intakes increased, as did serum concentrations of vitamin B12, folate, zinc, iron, and ferritin. These results indicate that some amenorrheic athletes have poor nutritional status due to restricted Els and poor food selections. A sport nutrition supplement may improve energy balance and nutritional status in active amenorrheic women.

Changes in bone density and bone markers in rhythmic gymnasts and ballet dancers: implications for puberty and leptin levels

“…Despite this delay in skeletal maturation, the genetic predisposition of growth is not only preserved, but even exceeded (20). The percentage of subjects with menstrual alterations was increased in rhythmic gymnasts and ballet dancers with respect to the normal population and is in agreement with data reported in elite athletes and performers (21). The etiology of these alterations is multifactorial and includes the physical and emotional stress associated with the lifestyle of elite performers and athletes (competitions, trips, etc.…”

Nutritive Support of Young Sportsmen Using a Specialized Russian Product

“…This issue is especially critical for high-level sportsmen in the process of intensive physical training, when demand of proteins, vitamins and mineral substances considerably increases in the setting of reduced ability to observe an adequate diet due to intensive training regimen. At the same time, inanition affects both sports results and sportsmen's health [15][16][17][18]. This calls forth use of special products enriched with a certain set of nutrients.…”

The Female Athlete Triad: An Emerging Role for Physical Therapy

“…The intervention consisted of GatorPro (Gatorade, Inc., Chicago, IL), a nutritional supplement (360 kcal, 56 g carbohydrate, 17 g protein, 6 g fat, plus micronutrients), and a decrease in energy expenditure (1 day of rest per week). 31 Following 20 weeks, weight gain was small (approximately 1 kg) and 2 athletes had a decrease in total training volume (the other 2 increased training time per day to compensate for a day off). Despite a combination of increased caloric intake and decreased caloric expenditure, a small but significant energy deficit remained (-173 kcal per day vs -415 kcal per day initial deficit).…”

“…There is only 1 published intervention-based study 31 in athletes with the triad, which studied the effects of restoration of energy balance on the menstrual status in 4 body-weight-stable, amenorrheic athletes from various sports. The intervention consisted of GatorPro (Gatorade, Inc., Chicago, IL), a nutritional supplement (360 kcal, 56 g carbohydrate, 17 g protein, 6 g fat, plus micronutrients), and a decrease in energy expenditure (1 day of rest per week).…”

“…However, menses and ovulation returned in 3 of the 4 women. 31 Although only a small intervention study, it provides hope and motivation for additional research into the restoration of energy balance in the prevention and intervention of the triad. This study also demonstrated that the hypothalamus is sensitive to energy balance and interventions, and that the calories needed to correct energy balance are small and achievable with a combination of small changes in training and caloric intake.…”