Diet and body composition of female recreational runners of differing menstrual status

Abstract

To characterize the factors contributing to the impairment of ovarian function among healthy distance runners, a prospective investigation was undertaken of 37 female British recreational distance runners. Menstrual status, daily training and any modifications were elicited by a monthly questionnaire. Seven-day weighed food intakes were obtained on two occasions. A detailed investigation of anthropometry, body composition, including densitometry, and maximum oxygen consumption was performed in 16 of the women. The subjects were classified into three groups according to their menstrual status: eumenorrhoea, irregular menses and oligomenorrhoea plus secondary amenorrhoea. The group with the greater menstrual dysfunction (oligomenorrhoea plus secondary amenorrhoea) were youngest and had the lowest body mass index (P < 0.05), upper arm circumference (P < 0.05) and waist circumference (P < 0.05). Macro- and micro-nutrient intakes and the sources of energy were not significantly different between the groups. The diets of all groups were adequate and in line with guidelines on healthy eating. The subjects were leaner and fitter than the British population in general, but the levels of fitness and of body composition did not differ significantly between the groups. In conclusion, groups of distance runners of differing menstrual status did not differ in diet, fatness, body composition or anthropometry, except for body mass index, upper arm circumference and waist circumference.

Keywords:

• Body
• Composition
• Body
• Mass
• Index
• Energy
• Female
• Runners
• Menstrual
• Status
• Nutrient
• Intakes