Date of Award
5-11-2025
Date Published
June 2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nutrition Science and Dietetics
Advisor(s)
Jessica Garay
Keywords
Female athletes;Inflammation;Low energy availability;Oxidative stress;Resting metabolic rate;Uric acid
Subject Categories
Life Sciences | Nutrition
Abstract
Background: Low Energy Availability (LEA) is a key factor in the Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), affecting performance, metabolism, and inflammation. Uric acid (UA), a byproduct of purine metabolism, has been proposed as a potential inflammatory marker. We hypothesize that EA will be inversely correlated with inflammation and that collegiate athletes will exhibit lower EA compared to recreational athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 51 physically active female college students (18–24 years), including 28 collegiate athletes. LEA risk was assessed using the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), while energy availability (EA) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) ratio were calculated using indirect calorimetry, dietary intake (ASA-24), and lean body mass (BodPod). Saliva samples were analyzed for UA levels. Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: 56.9% of participants exhibited LEA, and 21.6% had a suppressed RMR ratio (<0.90). A significant positive correlation was found between RMR ratio and UA (r = .464, p < .001), while EA showed no association. Multiple regression analysis identified RMR ratio (B = 9.20, p < .001) and LEAF-Q score (B = 0.159, p = .011) as significant predictors of UA levels (R² = .340, F(4,46) = 5.92, p < .001). Conclusions: These findings highlight the complexity of LEA’s metabolic consequences and suggest that uric acid may not be a reliable standalone marker for inflammation in this context. While LEA is linked to metabolic disruptions, its relationship with inflammation remains unclear. Future research should explore alternative biomarkers, controlled dietary assessments, and animal models to further elucidate these mechanisms.
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Galindo Sebe, Julia, "REDs RISK IN PHYSICALLY ACTIVE FEMALES AND INFLAMMATION: IS THERE A CORRELATION?" (2025). Theses - ALL. 916.
https://surface.syr.edu/thesis/916
