Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Sport Nutrition and Therapy Journal
Volume
1
Issue
1
Publisher
Open Access
Publication Date
11-5-2015
First Page
1
Last Page
7
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Abstract
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 /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.
Recommended Citation
Day J, Wengreen H, Health E, Brown K. Prevalence of Low Energy Availability in Collegiate Female Runners and Implementation of Nutrition Education Intervention. Sport Nutrition and Therapy Journal. 2015, 1:101. (2,6)
