Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport: A Focus on Scientific Rigor

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2019 Oct;47(4):197-205. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000200.

Abstract

We examine the scientific evidence supporting The Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) syndromes. More research is necessary to advance the understanding of both syndromes; however, it is premature to consider RED-S as an evidence-based syndrome. Future research should specifically define RED-S components, determine its clinical relevance, and establish the causality of relative energy deficiency on RED-S outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Female
  • Female Athlete Triad Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Female Athlete Triad Syndrome* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport* / diagnosis
  • Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport* / etiology