Diet and Bone Status in Eumenorrheic Female Athletes

Abstract

Various risk factors for low bone mass density (BMD) have been reported, such as diet restriction, unbalance body composition and menstrual irregularities. This is apparent in female athletes who have a tendency to seek for a low body weight by adopting chronic energy deficits (low calories intake or malnutrition) practices. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between energy intake, nutrient consumption amount, energy availability, body weight with BMD status. Eighty-five moderately trained female athletes aged 18–29 years took part in this study. Body fat percentage and BMD were measured using the Tanita Weighing Scale and 200-CM Furuno Ultrasound bone densitometer, respectively. Data on physical activity, menstrual cycle status, and eating attitude were obtained using questionnaires. Dietary variables were assessed from a prospective combination of 24-hour diet recall and 3-day food diary of macronutrients and micronutrients. Results showed that more than half (53%) of the female athletes have low BMD, with z-scores ranging between -2.00 and -0.03 (below the normal range). The mean (SD) of energy intake of female athletes was 1291 (304) kcal/day which is below than recommended nutrient intake (RNI). Similarly minerals (Calcium and Phosphorus) intake did not achieve the RNI. Low energy intake was significantly (p≤0.05) correlated with low eating attitude score (EAT-26). Pearson Correlation also showed that low BMD was significantly associated with low body weight. The common factors of low BMD among eumenorrheic athletes are an insufficient intake of energy intake and bone building nutrients (Calcium, Vitamins D, Vitamin C and Zinc). Higher BMD could be achieved through actively encouraging high-risk group of athletes to focus on good dieting practice.