Association between the risk of relative energy deficiency in sport and cholesterol levels in Finnish endurance athletes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) is a condition caused by chronic and/or severe low energy availability. Endurance athletes are at risk of REDs, which are characterised by negative effects on health and performance. Disturbed cholesterol metabolism is a suggested indicator of REDs and could affect the future cardiovascular health of athletes. We investigated the association between the REDs risk and cholesterol levels in endurance athletes.

Methods

Finnish endurance athletes (n=87; female 44, male 43) were recruited as part of the Athletic Performance and Nutrition study. The participants were examined at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of the training season. The REDs risk was assessed using the REDs Clinical Assessment Tool version 2.

Results

At

SUBMITTER: Silvennoinen JIK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12406806 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature