In a systematic review that combined 20 studies of track & field-based women athletes across different sports, many had low energy and carbohydrate intakes.
Unfortunately, these findings are not unusual for women athletes. While low energy and carbohydrate intakes can negatively impact physicalperformance, it also impacts general health. It can result in physical and mental health problems, a syndrome known as Relative Energy Deficiency. This can lead to mood disturbances, reduced sleep quality, impaired growth and development, reduced cardiovascular function and impaired bone health. This can result in reduced performance during exercise, leading to decreased muscle strength, endurance, power, ability to recover and reduced motivation.
It’s hard to know exactly why an athlete would consume so few carbs but one reason could be due to the messaging on social media promoting low-carb intake.
