Increasing awareness among athletes and those around them is the foremost strategy to prevent RED-S. Surveys in athletes, coaches, and healthcare personnel have shown:
Around 50% of surveyed individuals who identified as women did not know that menstrual dysfunction was related to poor bone health(1).
Less than 50% of surveyed physicians, coaches, physiotherapists, and athletic trainers were not able to identify the components that make up the Triad(2).
1 out of 3 of surveyed individuals who identified as women thought menstrual dysfunction was a normal effect of exercise(3).
By learning more about RED-S and sharing these understandings with others, we can correct misinformation and inform both research and clinical practice that prevents RED-S.
Ensuring one’s body is receiving the necessary nutrition and hydration is a crucial step in preventing RED-S(4). It can be extremely easy for athletes to under-fuel when activity level is high, whether or not this under-fueling is intentional or by accident. Strategies to improve nutrition can include, but are not limited to:
Increasing energy intake by:
Consuming energy-dense food
Eating consistently throughout the day
Decreasing energy expenditure due to exercise, if one’s energy expenditure is too high
Ensuring proper nutrient distribution, which may include:
A focus on carbohydrate intake
Adequate intake of bone building nutrients, such as:
Recent research has highlighted the ability of screening tools to assess individuals for energy availability(5). These tools, however, are currently only applicable under administration and guidance from a knowledgeable physician. To be screened for RED-S and/or RED-S risk factors, individuals should seek out medical treatment and guidance from a provider.
