Effects of Short-Term Low Energy Availability on Metabolism and Performance-Related Parameters in Physically Active Adults.

Background/objectives: Low energy availability (LEA) can cause impaired reproductive function, bone health issues, and suppressed immune function, and may result in decreased performance and overall health status. The purpose of this study was to investigate adaptions of body composition, blood status, resting metabolic rate, and endurance performance to gain more comprehensive insights into the symptoms of LEA and the adaptive effects in the athlete population (active women (n = 11) and men (n = 11)).

Methods: Three treatments were defined as 45 (EA45, control), 30 (EA30), and 10 (EA10) kcal/kg FFM/day and randomly assigned. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were performed through blood sampling, bioelectrical impedance analysis, resting metabolic rate measurement, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and the incremental endurance test to exhaustion.

Results: There was a significant reduction in body weight and fat mass in EA10 compared to EA45 ( ≤ 0.05). Blood serum levels were altered in triglyceride, uric acid, and creatinine concentrations in EA10 compared to EA45 ( ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, blood glucose was still accumulated after 120 min during OGTT in EA10 compared to EA45 ( ≤ 0.05). The respiratory exchange ratio was reduced during submaximal stages of the incremental treadmill test to exhaustion without influencing performance output after treatment EA10 ( ≤ 0.05). However, the resting metabolic rate did not change ( > 0.05).

Conclusions: In conclusion, this short-term study indicates that energy restriction can lead to several metabolic-related adaptations, which suggests that the availability and regulation of glucose and fats are significantly influenced after only five days of LEA in physically active women and men. Future research should focus on longer exposures of LEA and sex-specific comparisons (including the menstrual cycle) on LEA symptoms.