Analysis of blood test data from Lithuanian track and field athletes with suspected RED-S syndrome

Abstract

Objectives (oral/poster only) RED-S (relative energy deficiency in sports) is a term that refers to abnormalities in various body systems that result from inadequate caloric intake relative to caloric expenditure. The syndrome is known to affect many organ systems, but there is not yet enough scientific data on its effects. This research aims to analyse the blood test data from Lithuanian track and field athletes with suspected RED-S syndrome. Materials and methods (oral/poster only) During retrospective analysis, anamnestic, body mass composition and blood test data from 10 Lithuanian track and field athletes (6 – male, 4 – female), who met the selection criteria (clinical RED-S symptoms, low relative body fat mass, 12-14h per week of training), was evaluated. That included ionised and total calcium, potassium, sodium, ferritin, glucose, lipidogram, and complete blood count. IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0 was used. Pearson correlation was calculated to determine the correlation between the two scales, while point biseral – between scale and nominal variables. Results (oral/poster only) A decrease in ionised calcium was seen in all athletes (mean - 1.021mmol/l; median – 1.020mmol/l), with total calcium levels in the normal range. Average body potassium level was found to be 4.08mmol/l (median - 4.15 mmol/l), mean ferritin concentration – 34.29µg/l (median - 31.35µg/l), with statistically significant relation to the sex (r=0.676; p=0.032). Observed mean neutrophil count was 2.79x109 units/l (median: 2.7x109 units/l), mean lymphocyte count – 1.97x109 units/l (median: 2.05x109 units/l). A significant correlation was found between a higher body fat percentage and a higher neutrophil count (r=0.748; p=0.013). Significant correlations were also found between lower relative body fat percentage and lower relative neutrophil (r=0.757; p=0.011) and higher relative lymphocyte count (r=0.836; p=0.003). Conclusions In RED-S syndrome decreased ionised calcium concentrations, low ferritin and potassium may be expected. A lower neutrophil count is also likely, directly related to the reduction in relative fat mass.