Energy availability refers to the dietary energy available for metabolic function after exercise.
Parameters:
(1) energy intake in kcal
(2) energy expenditure in kcal
(3) fat-free mass (FFM) in kg
energy availability in kcal per kg FFM =
= ((energy intake) - (energy expenditure)) / (fat-free mass)
If daily energy measures are used, then the energy availability units are kcal per kg FFM per day.
Interpretation:
• The optimal energy availability for healthy physiological function is 45 kcal per kg per day.
• An energy availability < 30 is associated with perturbed function and may be termed low energy availability.
