AUTHOR=Dvořáková Kristýna , Paludo Ana Carolina , Wagner Adam , Puda Dominik , Gimunová Marta , Kumstát Michal 

TITLE=A literature review of biomarkers used for diagnosis of relative energy deficiency in sport

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2024.1375740

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2024.1375740

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=The review aims to summarize the markers used in diagnosing the Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and compare them with the REDs CAT2 score. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases during April 2023. The descriptors were "athlete" AND "REDs," along with respective entry terms. The selection process followed the PRISMA 2020 recommendations, identifying 593 records, from which 13 studies were ultimately selected. 79 markers were identified and categorized into six groups: bone mineral density (BMD), metabolic resting rate, blood biomarkers, anthropometric, nutritional intake, and performance parameters. The most frequently utilized biomarkers included BMD, anthropometric parameters (e.g., BMI, body mass, and fat mass), and the triiodothyronine concentration.According to the REDs CAT2 pointed indicators, the biomarkers varied among the studies, while seven out of thirteen included studies achieved a ≥ 60% agreement rate with this tool.The prevalence of low energy availability, an etiological factor in the development of REDs development, was detected in 4 out of 13 studies, with an average of 39,5%. In conclusion, this review highlights the most commonly used markers in diagnosing REDs, such as BMD, anthropometric parameters, and T3 hormone concentration. Standardizing diagnostic methodologies is crucial for future research due to current inconsistencies. By focusing on widely used markers, this review aids future research planning and result interpretation, pointing out the ongoing need for methodological consistency in evolving diagnostic tools.