Consumption of Two Eggs Daily Increases Serum Leptin in Amenorrheic Runners With Low Energy Availability Without Changes in Lipid Profile

Abstract

\n \n \n The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of increased dietary cholesterol intake through the consumption of eggs on ovarian sex hormone and leptin levels in amenorrheic female distance athletes.\n \n \n \n Division I female distance runners classified as amenorrheic (AMEN, n\xa0=\xa05) or eumenorrheic (EUMEN, n\xa0=\xa05) via self-report questionnaire participated in this study. Participants consumed two eggs per day for 12 weeks over the course of the outdoor track and field season. EA was calculated at baseline and post-intervention using 3-day dietary records, triaxial accelerometers, and heart rate (HR) monitors. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was measured to calculate exercise energy expenditure with training HR data. Serum hormones, body composition, and blood lipids were measured at baseline and post-intervention.\n \n \n \n There were no differences exhibited by AMEN and EUMEN groups in body composition, EA, or sex hormones after the dietary intervention. Serum leptin increased in the AMEN group by 70% (P\xa0=\xa00.02) from baseline following egg consumption, while no change in serum leptin was observed in the EUMEN group. EA was calculated to be below 30 kcal·kg−1·FFM·d−1 in both groups following intervention. No changes in serum lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol levels were observed in AMEN or EUMEN due to egg consumption.\n \n \n \n Twelve-week consumption of two eggs per day increased serum leptin in amenorrheic athletes with low EA with no changes in ovarian sex hormones. The serum lipid profile was not adversely affected by increased dietary cholesterol in the form of eggs.\n \n \n \n Egg Nutrition Center Graduate Fellowship Research Grant.\n