Impacting performance: Knowledge gaps leave female athletes at risk

10 Jun 2020 --- Female athletes lack nutrition knowledge of what they need to consume to maintain health, which may lead to poor performance, low energy and nutrient intake, as well as other potential health risks. This is according to a Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School review, which collated various studies following female athletes over 13 years old for two decades. The study puts a focus on the underserved female athlete demographic, where industry can find ample opportunity for innovative NPD. The researchers are highlighting the role supplementation can play in addressing some of these health concerns, including bone fractures.

“Female athletes often do not meet their nutritional requirements and energy needs. This is for reasons ranging from a lack of education and poor time management skills to chronic dieting and disordered eating behaviors,” explains Mary Downes Gastrich, Associate Professor at Rutgers and lead author of the review.

“As detailed in our comprehensive literature review, prior studies have found a lack of general knowledge of nutrition among athletes, coaches and other sports team specialists. Some female athletes may purposefully restrict their calorie intake for performance or aesthetic reasons, while others may unintentionally have low energy expenditure due to increased training or lack of education on how to properly fuel themselves for their sports’ demands,” Gastrich adds.

Bone fracture risk
Gastric details that diminished bone mineral density can increase the risk of fracture from repetitive stress on the bones during training and competition. “The age that sport training begins is an important factor influencing bone mineral density. A study of teen and young adult female elite gymnasts found that the earlier the age a person has begun practicing strenuous exercise, the more negative the effect on bone acquisition later on in life.”

Addressing this, Nadia El-Zanfaly of Volac International Ltd, which specializes in performance ingredients and dairy ingredients, tells NutritionInsight that female athletes would benefit from increased high-quality protein consumption. She adds that whey protein is an excellent source of high-quality protein, containing all the essential amino acids.

“This is particularly important as athletes, regardless of gender, have elevated protein requirements compared to the general population. High-quality protein intake supports recovery and adaptations to training. Whey does not cause bulking up; in fact it can help with optimizing body composition.”

“Whey protein products such as Volactive whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate contain the minerals calcium, potassium and phosphorus, which are important for bone health,” El-Zanfaly continues.

The researchers add that female athletes with insufficient diets, who regularly miss menstruation or have a low body mass index should supplement their diet with the recommended 1500 mg of calcium a day. This should be alongside other dietary supplements including vitamin D for bone health and optimal calcium absorption. However, for safety reasons, all athletes should consult their physician or a registered dietitian nutritionist before taking any dietary supplements.

"Insufficient iron consumption may lead to iron deficiency anemia. This is more common in females participating in intense training," flags the lead author of the review.Nutritional deficiencies
Gastrich goes on to explain that current studies suggest that female athletes’ diets are often not optimal for the types and amounts of carbohydrates, fats and total energy intake. However, her research team found that most female athletes – other than those who participate in sports promoting leanness, such as dancing, swimming and gymnastics – may be consuming adequate amounts of protein.

“When the energy and nutrients from the foods consumed does not match the level of energy expenditure in the sport and nutrient needs for proper body function and growth, it can affect female athletes’ bone health and reproductive system. Deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, calcium, magnesium and B vitamins can occur from exercise-related stress and inadequate dietary intakes,” she says.

In addition, insufficient iron consumption may lead to iron deficiency anemia, Gastrich flags. This is more common in females participating in intense training, like distance running, due to the potential for additional loss of iron through urine, the rupture of red blood cells and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Disordered eating
Specific sports, such as gymnastics, distance running, diving, figure skating and classical ballet emphasize a low body weight. To optimize their performance, some female athletes often strive to maintain or reach a low body weight, which may be achieved by unhealthy dieting. Such “disordered eating” can include various unhealthy eating behaviors, including chronic dieting, excessive calorie counting, food-related anxiety and use of laxatives, which could potentially result in a more serious clinical diagnosis of an eating disorder.

“Prior work has shown a higher prevalence of eating disorders among female athletes competing in leanness sports, such as dancing, swimming and gymnastics, compared with female athletes competing in non-leanness sports, such as basketball, tennis or volleyball,” Gastrich notes.

What is the solution?
Gastrich says that the review of prior studies suggests that the nutrition status of female athletes needs to be more closely monitored. “Interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, registered dietitian nutritionists, psychologists, parents and coaches, would be beneficial in screening, counseling and helping female athletes improve their overall diet, performance and health,” she notes.

“These teams should be regularly trained on the negative health effects of inadequate calorie intake on both performance and long-term health. Early detection of low energy availability is essential in preventing further health issues, and diagnosed stress injuries should be considered a red flag, signaling further evaluation,” Gastrich concludes.

Previously a study found that regular, carbohydrate-rich potato-based foods are just as effective as standard sports nutrition products – which are often more expensive – in promoting recovery in female athletes. The findings may help female athletes make better-informed decisions, regarding their sports supplements, and foods and beverages.

NutritionInsight has reported on women’s nutritional needs throughout their lifecycle, as well offered a very comprehensive overview of the sports nutrition market during these unprecedented times. Meanwhile, realizing the importance of tailoring products to women’s specific needs, major players are making moves. Chr. Hansen recently entered into a partnership with HSO Health Care to tailor probiotics to women.

By Kristiana Lalou