In our recent paper, “Does REDs exist?”, we raise some important questions about the REDs concept and supporting evidence (1). This blog covers whether low energy availability (LEA), considered the cause of REDs, leads to ‘immunosuppression’ or ‘immunological dysfunction’ in athletes, as has been suggested. Interest in this topic has been stoked by observations that leanness and LEA are associated with the recall of illness symptoms in athletes.Are infections a serious problem for...| askerjeukendrup
“Does REDs exist?” is the title of a paper we recently published (1). After many years assuming REDs was based on a solid evidence base, we started reading about the history and background behind the concept. The fact that there are far more narrative reviews than experimental studies is a bit of a RED flag (excuse the pun). The evidence was not as strong as we assumed. In this paper we raise some important questions, that are introduced below and will be explored in more detail in future...| askerjeukendrup