Low energy availability as the main component to identify the female athlete triad or relative energy deficiency in sport prevalence in brazilian athletes: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: The Female Athlete Triad (FAT) and the Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (RED-S) are known as syndromes that affect athletes’ health and performance. Since 2007, the Low Energy Availability (LEA) is considered as the etiological factor of both conditions. This review aimed to identify the prevalence of FAT and RED-S, in Brazilian athletes, considering the LEA as the main component. Materials and Methods: This is a systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guideline on reporting reviews. The following databases: Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, BVS, Google Scholar and CAPES Theses and Dissertations Catalog were searched from June to August 2020. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal instruments were used to evaluate the quality of studies. Results: The initial search yielded 454 studies. After applying the inclusion criteria, three studies were eligible for this review. All selected studies determined FAT prevalence, considering LEA as the main component, in Brazilian athletes, while none investigated the prevalence of RED-S. The FAT prevalence found in Brazilian athletes ranges from 4% to 4.2%, by the presence of LEA. Conclusion: Although cases of disordered eating in athletes often evolve into an energy deficiency and, consequently, FAT and RED-S, other unintentional eating behaviors can lead to a LEA. Considering disordered eating as the only risk factor to detect energy deficiency can underestimate the prevalence of FAT, since many athletes in LEA do not present eating disorder

Keywords

• female athlete triad
• relative energy deficiency in sports
• athlete
• exercise
• nutrition