The LEAF questionnaire is a good screening tool for the identification of the Female Athlete Triad/Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport among young football players

Abstract

Background It has been noticed that Female Athlete Triad (Fat) and Relative Energy Deficiency (Red-S) in Sport are characterized by the symptoms of impaired endocrine-metabolic function and bone health in female athletes. In addition, it may be evaluated with a qualitative tool, such as Low Energy Availability in Females questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and quantitative measurements: bone mineral density (BMD), resting energy expenditure (REE), body composition, 24-hour dietary recall. Methods The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Triad and Red-S using the LEAF-Q in youth female football players. Additionally, the difference in the BMD, body composition, REE and energy intake (EI) were assessed between the Triad/Red-S risk and not at-risk groups. Results Almost two thirds (64.7%) of participants are classified as being at-risk for the triad according to their LEAF-Q scores. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between most of the values among children from the analyzed groups. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the EI values among girls from the two analyzed groups: at-risk (1,773.18 kcal ± 232.57) and not at-risk (2,054.00 kcal ± 191.39). Girls who did not meet the energy intake recommendations were 10.00 as likely to be in the Triad/Red-S risk group. Conclusion Early identification of Fat/Red-S symptoms by screening tools such as the LEAF questionnaire is important in protecting young athletes from long-term damage due to the progression of the risk factors associated with the Fat/Red-S.

The effect of nutrition education sessions on energy availability, body composition, eating attitude and sports nutrition knowledge in young female endurance athletes

“…However, they were unable to adequately meet their iron needs during the season ( 29 ). Calcium intake for both control and intervention groups (1009.3 mg ± 392.1 mg, 1,096 mg ± 431.7) was lower than RDA for adolescent female athletes (1,300 mg) ( 34 ).…”

“…Cross-sectional studies indicate that the estimation of low EA in athletes varies from 51 to 63% ( 25 , 33 ). In a study conducted by Łuszczki et al ( 34 ) it was found that 64.7% of participants were classified as being at risk for low energy availability according to their LEAF-Q scores among young football players. The researchers noted that the mean age of the study group was lower (15,41 years) than most in the literature ( 35 ) which could be a probable explanation for the lower level of sports nutrition knowledge among this athlete group.…”

The Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) as a Useful Tool to Identify Female Triathletes at Risk for Menstrual Disorders Related to Low Energy Availability

“…For example, the percentage of training days lost due to injuries lasting 15 to 21 days was 11%, with a similar percentage for those injuries more than 22 days. However, a higher percentage of lost training days was reported by Łuszczki et al [ 40 ], who also studied football players. The number of lost training days due to injury of 15 to 21 days was 14.7%, and above 22 days, it reached 20.6%.…”

Perspectives on relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S): A qualitative case study of athletes, coaches and medical professionals from a super league netball club

“…Efforts have been made to extend research on RED-S and associated risk factors to other populations beyond female aesthetic and endurance athletes (e.g., recreational exercisers, male cyclists, synchronised swimming; and male combat athletes [ 17 – 20 ]), however little is available on team sport athletes. Current research using team sport athletes has explored risk factors and symptoms associated with RED-S or female athlete triad such as menstrual function, bone health and energy availability in female footballers [ 21 – 25 ] and volleyball players [ 26 ]. Numerous sports have received little attention despite potentially having an athlete groups at risk of the female athlete triad, and by extension RED-S. One such example is netball, a team sport that is characterised as a high-intensity intermittent sport, and that is growing in both popularity and professionalism.…”