What condition can result from inadequate caloric intake in athletes?

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is a condition that arises when athletes do not consume enough calories to meet their energy needs, particularly in the context of their training regimen. This energy deficiency can adversely affect various physiological functions and lead to numerous health issues beyond just low energy availability.

In athletes, maintaining an adequate caloric intake is crucial not only for supporting performance but also for sustaining overall health, including metabolic function, hormonal regulation, immune function, and bone health. When athletes experience RED-S, they might face negative consequences such as impaired physiological function, decreased performance, disrupted menstrual function in females, and increased risk of injuries and illnesses.

Thus, while other options may relate to insufficient nutrition or energy availability, relative energy deficiency in sport specifically describes the broad spectrum of consequences related to inadequate caloric intake in relation to physical activity levels in athletes, making it the most accurate choice.