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Imperfect Progress with Anne Guzman

Cycling Can Wreak Havoc on Your Bones - Take Action Today -Episode 29 with Dr. Eimear Dolan

Dec 29, 2022
Dr. Eimear Dolan discusses the often overlooked topic of bone health in athletes, particularly cyclists. She explains the impact of poor bone health on athletic performance and the role of nutrition and exercise in maintaining healthy bones. Topics covered include signs of potential bone health concerns, strategies for optimizing bone health during training, and the effects of calcium loss through sweat. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing bone health in youth and adolescence.
01:29:42

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Low energy availability can negatively impact bone health in athletes, highlighting the importance of sufficient energy intake and carbohydrate consumption.
  • Low energy availability can lead to hormonal disturbances, particularly in females, affecting reproductive function and potentially compromising bone health.

Deep dives

Low energy availability impacts bone health in athletes

Low energy availability has been found to negatively impact bone health in athletes, particularly in endurance sports. Low energy availability refers to the amount of energy that is available for the body after exercise training demands have been met. When the body does not receive enough energy, it allocates its resources to prioritize essential functions, and this can lead to bone health issues. Chronic low energy availability, whether due to conscious restriction or difficulty meeting energy demands, can have a significant impact on bone health. Additionally, research suggests that arriving at low energy availability through calorie restriction alone is more damaging for bone health compared to a combination of exercise expenditure and restricted calories. Carbohydrate intake has also been found to play a protective role in bone health, with studies showing that higher carbohydrate diets have a positive effect on bone biomarkers. Overall, prioritizing sufficient energy intake and carbohydrate consumption is key to maintaining optimal bone health in athletes.

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