Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports –
The Nutritional Approach

When energy is not enough - REDs and nutrition

Hall D5 - Nutri Lab Room

REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) is a multifactorial condition caused by insufficient energy availability relative to energy expenditure, impairing health, recovery, and performance. It affects both female and male athletes and can occur without obvious eating disorders.

Warning signs include hormonal disruptions (e.g., amenorrhea, low testosterone), muscle loss, recurrent injuries and stress fractures, chronic fatigue, reduced performance, and gastrointestinal or immune issues.

Early recognition by coaches and health professionals is crucial. Nutritional intervention focuses on restoring energy balance through individualized dietary plans with adequate carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and micronutrients. When symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to reduce or stop the training load.

Effective treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, dietitians, psychologists, and coaches to restore physiological balance and support athletic recovery.