Adolescent elite Kenyan runners are at risk for energy deficiency,menstrual dysfunction and disordered eating |
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| Authors: | Esther N Muia Hattie H Wright Vincent O Onywera Elizabeth N Kuria |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Applied Human Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya;2. Centre of Excellence in Nutrition, North-west University, Potchefstroom, South Africa;3. School of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia;4. Department of Recreation Management and Exercise Science, School of Applied Human Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya |
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| Abstract: | Limited data are available on the female athlete triad (Triad) in athletes from minority groups. We explored subclinical and clinical Triad components amongst adolescent elite Kenyan athletes (n = 61) and non-athletes (n = 49). Participants completed demographic, health, sport and menstrual history questionnaires as well as a 5-day weighed dietary record and exercise log to calculate energy availability (EA). Ultrasound assessed calcaneus bone mineral density (BMD). Eating Disorder Inventory subscales and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire’s cognitive dietary restraint subscale measured disordered eating (DE). EA was lower in athletes than non-athletes (36.5 ± 4.5 vs. 39.5 ± 5.7 kcal ? kg FFM?1 ? d?1, P = 0.003). More athletes were identified with clinical low EA (17.9% vs. 2.2%, OR = 9.5, 95% CI 1.17–77, P = 0.021) and clinical menstrual dysfunction (32.7% vs. 18.3%, χ2 = 7.1, P = 0.02). Subclinical (75.4% vs. 71.4%) and clinical DE (4.9% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.56) as well as BMD were similar between athletes and non-athletes. More athletes had two Triad components than non-athletes (8.9% vs. 0%, OR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.5–6.9, P = 0.05). Kenyan adolescent participants presented with one or more subclinical and/or clinical Triad component. It is essential that athletes and their entourage be educated on their energy needs including health and performance consequences of an energy deficiency. |
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| Keywords: | young athlete bone mineral density energy availability menstrual function |
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