Low energy availability (LEA) may be prevalent in female collegiate beach volleyball players, which can be a catalyst for negative health consequences. Athletes can present in a state of LEA as a result of inadequate intake of the recommended macronutrients; those being proteins (PRO), carbohydrates
(CHO), and fats.
Purpose: Examine the prevalence of LEA and macronutrient intakes (PRO, CHO, and fats) among NCAA Division I female collegiate beach volleyball players.
Methods: Data from a larger cross-sectional study was used to examine recreational athletes (n=18; age: 19.8±1.4 years; height: 174.4±5.5 cm; weight: 63.2±5.1 kg). Athletes were moderately trained (exercised a minimum of 3-4 days/week). Data collection consisted of anthropometric data, surveys (e.g.,
demographics, age, gender, etc.), resting metabolic rate (RMR), a 7-day online dietary log to measure energy intake (EI), and exercise logs to measure exercise energy expenditure (EEE). Basic descriptive statistics, Chi-squares, and cross-tabulations were used to examine the proportion of participants
classified as “at risk” for LEA (<30 kcal/kg/FFM) and the proportion that met the macronutrient recommendations.
Results: Overall, beach volleyball players demonstrated the following, with 94.4% (n=17) being identified as at risk for LEA: Average energy availability (EA): 12.4±9.6 kcal/kg FFM and average EEE: 1108.7±157.6 kcals. RMR recommendations for average minimal caloric intake for the sample was
1477.7±272.3 kcals; however, 55.6% (n=10) did not meet the recommendations. Recommended CHO and PRO macronutrient intake were not met by 100% and 61.1% of the sample, respectively. Overconsumption of fat compared to the recommendation was found in 33.3%.
Conclusions: Beach volleyball athletes in this sample were severely and alarmingly at risk for LEA. Most of the athletes demonstrated low CHO and PRO intake while overconsuming fat compared to the recommendations. These athletes would benefit from nutrition education focused on properly fueling and macronutrient intake, which are both essential for elite performance in the athletic arena.