Summary:
In trained adult athletes, short-term low energy availability (LEA; 15 kcal·kg FFM⁻¹·day⁻¹) significantly altered the serum metabolome towards increased fat utilization, enhanced ketogenesis, and reduced circulating triglycerides and amino acids compared to high energy availability (HEA; 40 kcal·kg FFM⁻¹·day⁻¹), achieved with or without exercise, though it was associated with no reported adverse effects in this short-term trial.
| PICO | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | Trained adult individuals participating in two randomized controlled trials focused on energy availability levels. |
| Intervention | Short-term exposure (3–5 days) to low energy availability (LEA) at 15 kcal·kg FFM⁻¹·day⁻¹, with and without daily aerobic exercise. |
| Comparison | High energy availability (HEA) at 40 kcal·kg FFM⁻¹·day⁻¹, also with and without daily aerobic exercise. |
| Outcome | LEA was associated with lower serum triglycerides (0.66 vs. 1.07 mmol·L⁻¹), total fatty acids (9.46 vs. 11.22 mmol·L⁻¹), alanine (0.46 vs. 0.58 mmol·L⁻¹), and VLDL (0.57 vs. 0.67 mmol·L⁻¹), and dramatically elevated β-hydroxybutyrate (364 vs. 30 μmol·L⁻¹), suggesting a metabolic shift favoring fat oxidation and ketogenesis. Post-intervention β-hydroxybutyrate >0.09 mmol·L⁻¹ best predicted LEA status. |
Source: Nusser, Valentin, et al. “Metabolic signature of short-term low energy availability and link provided in the RSS feed.” Read article here.
