Energy Balance And Nutritional Status Of Female Athletes With Subclinical Eating Disorders

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: To examine the energy balance and nutritional status of female athletes with subclinical eating disorders.Evidence indicates that female athletes with clinical eating disorders often suffer severe nutritional deficiencies. Little is known, however, about the nutritional status of female athletes with sub clinical eating disorders. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess energy balance and nutritional status of female athletes with sub clinical eating disorders (SCED) (n=24) compared to non-eating disordered female athletic controls (n=24). Energy and nutrient intakes (excluding vitamin/mineral supplements) and energy expenditure were determined using 7-day weighed food and activity records. Micronutrient status was assessed for vitamins (B12 and folate) and minerals (Fe, Zn, and Mg) using serum and whole blood. The SCED and control groups were similar in age, height, weight, fat free mass, and body mass index. Energy intake was lower in the SCED group (1989 kcal/d) vs. the control group (2300 kcal/d) (P = 0.004), while energy expenditures were similar (2405 kcal/d and 2398 kcal/d, respectively). The SCED group had lower protein and fat intakes (69 g/d and 43 g/d, respectively) vs. the control group (86 g/d and 61 g/d, respectively) (P < 0.05). More SCED athletes (79%) than control athletes (59%) were consuming less than the recommended amount of carbohydrate for highly active women. Mean micronutrient intakes were not significantly different between the groups; however, more SCED athletes (4% - 50%) were consuming < 2/3 of the RDA for Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg, B12, and folate. Mean status measures for Fe, Zn, and Mg were within the normal ranges for both groups and were not significantly different between the groups; however, slightly more SCED athletes (n~7) vs. control athletes (n=5) demonstrated Fe status measures consistent with Fe deficiency (serum ferritin < 12 ug/L). Mean status measures for vitamin B12 and folate also were within normal ranges and were not significantly different between the groups. Of interest was the number of athletes in both groups (n=5) that had low folate status (< 6 ng/L). The results of this study indicate that female athletes with subclinical eating disorders have inadequate intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, and certain micronutrients. These low dietary intakes, however, did not appear to negatively affect micronutrient status. This may be partly explained by their high intakes of vitamin/mineral supplements.