Energy Availability And Menstrual Regularity In African Black Female Runners

Abstract

PURPOSE: Endurance female athletes are at risk of having low energy availability which can have detrimental effects on their health and performance. It is also linked with exercise-induced menstrual dysfunction and disordered eating, collectively referred to as the female athlete Triad. Research regarding the prevalence of these components amongst black South African female athletes is limited. Method: Thirty two (n=32) recreational competitive black South African female distance runners, between the ages of 15 and 40 years (mean age: 21.44 ± 6.69), were selected on the basis of availability. Two 24-hour dietary recalls were completed for each athlete to assess mean daily energy intakes, Actical® physical activity monitors measured daily and exercise energy expenditure, the Bod Pod® measured body composition, and menstrual irregularity was assessed with a questionnaire compiled from reviewed literature. Risk for disordered eating was assessed via the EAT-26 questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean energy availability for the group was 124.16 ± 94.93 kJ/kg LBM/day, even though 11 of the athletes were below the recommended daily energy availability to ensure menstrual health. Four of the thirty two athletes (12.5%) reported menstrual irregularities. 40.6% reported risk for disordered eating via the EAT-26 questionnaire. In the total group two athletes presented with low energy availability and irregular menstrual function while five presented with low energy availability and a high risk for disordered eating. CONCLUSION: This group of black female athletes are at risk to develop the Triad since some already present with early stages of one or more components..