FTP #5: Dr. Nicky Keay - Bare bones in cyclists: Time to bring "Real" Nutritionists into the sport

Competitive road cyclists are at risk of developing the health and performance consequences of low energy availability described in the relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) clinical model. Low energy availability can arise unintentionally and/ or intentionally from restrictive nutrition, as cycling is a gravitational sport where low body weight confers a performance advantage, up to a point, until cumulative low energy availability leads to adverse clinical outcomes such as low bone mineral density and other important hormonal imbalances such as low testosterone that can impair cyclists performance and jeopardize their health. Some of these carelessness may be avoided by bringing "real" graduated dietitians/nutritionists into the sport. Not self proclaimed nutritional coaches nor other professionals already working with the teams such as physiotherapists, doctors and strength coaches whose role in a cycling team is essential but its surely not prescribing diets, managing nutritional recovery, fueling up for/during races and everything that proper sports dietitians/nutritionists were trained to do.  I say its time for a change! Its time to bring US into cycling!