Low Energy Availability and Cardiovascular Disease
This study investigates low energy availability (LEA) in trained female athletes. LEA means the body doesn't get enough energy for normal functions, especially with lots of exercise. While linked to heart issues like early hardening of arteries, past research often had small numbers of participants. This study will also look at how tiny changes in our DNA (called methylation), which can affect how our genes work, might connect low energy, heart health, and disease. By studying more people and using better heart health tests, the researchers hope to get a clearer picture of how low energy affects the heart and blood vessels in athletes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your body as a car. If you don't put enough fuel in it, it won't run properly. Low energy availability (LEA) is a bit like that – it means your body isn't getting enough energy to do all its important jobs, especially when you're exercising a lot. This can happen if you don't eat enough calories to match your activity levels. While LEA is known to cause problems like feeling tired or weak muscles, scientists also think it might affect your heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to issues like stiff arteries or how well your blood vessels work.
Previous studies have hinted at this connection, but they often involved only a few people. This new study wants to look at a larger group of female athletes to get a clearer picture. It will also explore something called DNA methylation. Think of DNA methylation as tiny 'sticky notes' on your DNA that can switch genes on or off, affecting how your body works. Scientists believe these sticky notes play a role in heart health, but no one has yet looked at how they might link low energy, heart problems, and your overall health.
By carefully studying these athletes, the researchers hope to understand more about how low energy affects their heart and blood vessels, and whether those DNA sticky notes are part of the story. This knowledge could help athletes and doctors better understand and protect athletes' heart health in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study evaluates how not eating enough for your activity levels affects heart health in female athletes.
- It will involve one visit to Liverpool Hope University for various health checks.
- Researchers will collect blood samples, measure heart function, and ask about diet and exercise.
- The study aims to improve understanding of how low energy impacts heart health and genetic changes.
- It only includes female athletes aged 18-35 who train regularly.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women aged 18 to 35 who live in the United Kingdom. To be considered, you need to be an active female athlete, meaning you train regularly and compete at a local, national, or even international level. They are specifically looking for women who are still having their regular periods and haven't gone through menopause.
There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are male, over 35, or a smoker, you wouldn't be eligible. You also can't take part if you are pregnant, have a history of certain heart conditions (like a serious heart attack or muscle disease), or if you use blood thinners or specific cholesterol-lowering medications.
Additionally, if you've ever fainted suddenly and unexpectedly (syncope), you wouldn't be able to participate. Women who use most types of hormonal contraception (like the pill or injection) are also not eligible, though those with a copper coil (IUD) can still apply.
- Are you a woman aged between 18 and 35?
- Do you live in the United Kingdom?
- Do you regularly train and compete in sports (local, national, or international level)?
- Are you not currently pregnant or using most types of hormonal birth control (a copper coil is usually okay)?
- Have you never had certain serious heart conditions or unexpected fainting spells?
- Are you not a habitual smoker or taking certain specific medications (like blood thinners)?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll have one visit to Liverpool Hope University. During this visit, the research team will collect several pieces of information.
They will ask you about your age, how much you train, and your competition level. You'll also have your height and weight measured, and get a special body scan (DEXA) to look at your body composition. They will gently swab the inside of your cheek to collect some cells for DNA analysis, and take a blood sample to check various hormone levels, cholesterol, and other blood markers.
Crucially, they'll do several tests to check your heart and blood vessel health, such as measuring your blood pressure, checking how stiff your arteries are, and looking at the thickness of your blood vessel walls. You'll also be asked to keep a detailed food diary for five days, and wear a small device (accelerometer) to track your physical activity.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Liverpool Hope UniversityLiverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'Low Energy Availability'?
It means your body isn't getting enough energy from food to cover all its needs, especially if you exercise a lot.
Why are only female athletes being studied?
This study is focusing specifically on female athletes because they are a group where low energy availability can be common and has specific health implications.
Will I get results from my blood tests or scans?
The study aims to understand general patterns; individual results are usually not shared directly with participants.
How long will my visit to the university take?
The information doesn't specify the exact duration, but it's a 'one-time visit' where multiple assessments are conducted.
What is DNA methylation and why is it being studied?
It's like tiny switches on your DNA that can affect how your genes work. Researchers want to see if these switches play a role in the link between low energy and heart health.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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