Nutrition education to reduce low energy availability risk in elite athletes

Assessing the Influence of Sport Nutrition Education to Lower the Risk of Low Energy Availability in Elite Athletes

Not applicable Interventional McGill University · NCT05709678

This study is testing if better nutrition education can help elite athletes eat enough to avoid low energy availability and its related health issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montréal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT05709678 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the impact of sport nutrition education on elite athletes to lower the risk of low energy availability (LEA), which can lead to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (RED-S). Over a three-week period, 30 participants will undergo various assessments, including questionnaires and food intake journals, to evaluate their knowledge and eating behaviors. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a standard or enhanced nutrition education program, with follow-up assessments to measure changes in dietary habits and energy availability. The study seeks to fill a gap in research regarding effective dietary interventions for athletes at risk of LEA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are elite athletes over 18 years old who are actively participating in training and competition.

Not a fit: Patients with significant eating disorders or those unable to understand English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help athletes optimize their nutrition, thereby improving their health and performance.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on dietary interventions specifically for elite athletes, similar studies in other populations have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Over 18 years of age
* Active to participate in training and competition
* Able-bodied sport program
* Having given informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire 6.0 total score \> 2.50 (women) and \> 1.68 (male)
* Unable to understand spoken and written English

Where this trial is running

Montréal, Quebec

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Eating Behavior
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.