Adolescent elite Kenyan runners are at risk for energy deficiency, menstrual dysfunction and disordered eating
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Date
2015
Authors
Muia, Esther Nduku
Hattie H. Wright
Onywera, V.O.
Kuria, E. N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
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%, χ
2 = 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.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
young athlete, bone mineral density, energy availability, menstrual function