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Review
. 2023 Sep;57(17):1136-1147.
doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107359.

Methodology for studying Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs): a narrative review by a subgroup of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus on REDs

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Free article
Review

Methodology for studying Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs): a narrative review by a subgroup of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus on REDs

Kathryn E Ackerman et al. Br J Sports Med. 2023 Sep.
Free article

Abstract

In the past decade, the study of relationships among nutrition, exercise and the effects on health and athletic performance, has substantially increased. The 2014 introduction of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) prompted sports scientists and clinicians to investigate these relationships in more populations and with more outcomes than had been previously pursued in mostly white, adolescent or young adult, female athletes. Much of the existing physiology and concepts, however, are either based on or extrapolated from limited studies, and the comparison of studies is hindered by the lack of standardised protocols. In this review, we have evaluated and outlined current best practice methodologies to study REDs in an attempt to guide future research.This includes an agreement on the definition of key terms, a summary of study designs with appropriate applications, descriptions of best practices for blood collection and assessment and a description of methods used to assess specific REDs sequelae, stratified as either Preferred, Used and Recommended or Potential Researchers can use the compiled information herein when planning studies to more consistently select the proper tools to investigate their domain of interest. Thus, the goal of this review is to standardise REDs research methods to strengthen future studies and improve REDs prevention, diagnosis and care.

Keywords: energy intake; feeding and eating disorders; female athlete triad syndrome; methods; relative energy deficiency in sport.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: KEA is a Deputy Editor of the BJSM and an Associate Editor of the BJSM IPHP. MM is a Deputy Editor of the BJSM and a member of the BJSM IPHP Editorial Board. EV is an Associate Editor of the BJSM, an Associate Editor of the BJSM IPHP and Editor in Chief of BMJ Open Sports and Exercise Medicine.

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