Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Determining the Contribution of the Energy Systems During Exercise
Published on: March 20, 2012
Relationship between energy availability and phenotype in free-living athletes
Marcos Rueda-Córdoba1, Juan J Martin-Olmedo2, Sergio Espinar3
1University of Granada, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Granada, Spain, Granada.
None:
This study aims to explore the impact of energy availability (EA) on body composition, dietary intake, sleep quality, and subjective well-being in free-living Spanish athletes across different sports disciplines. A total of 75 elite and pre-elite athletes (27 women; 24.9±5.9 years) were included. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, bioimpedance, and anthropometry; diet was assessed using dietary recalls and food-frequency questionnaires; sleep quality was determined by a wrist-worn accelerometer; and subjective well-being was evaluated through validated questionnaires. We observed, counter to common hypothesis, that athletes with low energy availability (LEA) showed higher levels of bone-related markers (i.e., bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and Z-score) compared to those with adequate EA (all P<0.05). Despite higher protein intake, athletes with LEA consumed fewer carbohydrates than those with adequate EA (all P<0.05). No relationship was observed between EA and other body composition parameters, sleep quality, or subjective well-being markers (all P>0.05). Overall, these results suggest that factors like metabolic adaptations, activity patterns, and individual behaviors may influence the relationship between EA and athletic performance in real-world settings. LEA's complexities extend beyond simple nutritional deficiencies, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to managing EA and optimizing athletes' performance and health.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Energy Budgets
Energy Balance
Production Efficiency
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Inclusive Fitness

