RED-S

RED-S or Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport is a syndrome that affects both male and female athletes and is caused by energy deficiency relative to the balance between dietary energy intake and energy expenditure required for health and activities of daily living, growth and sporting activities. Energy deficiency is not exclusive to athletes, but can also affect sedentary individuals.

Causes[edit | edit source]

RED-S is caused by low energy availability, where the energy intake from food is insufficient to cover the energy expenditure from exercise, plus the energy required for optimal health and performance. This can occur due to intentional dietary restriction, disordered eating, or simply a high volume of training without adequate fueling.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of RED-S can include fatigue, decreased endurance performance, loss of muscle strength, recurrent injuries, decreased training response, irritability, depression, and loss of concentration. In women, menstrual disturbances such as amenorrhea can occur, while in men, low testosterone levels can be observed.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of RED-S is often challenging due to the wide range of potential symptoms and the lack of a single definitive diagnostic test. It is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment of RED-S involves increasing energy intake and/or reducing exercise energy expenditure to restore energy balance. This often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a dietitian, physician, and mental health professional.

References[edit | edit source]

RED-S Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.