Anna Melin

Professor

Department of Sport Science Faculty of Social Sciences

anna.melin@lnu.se

+46 470-70 86 43

My teaching and research within sports science mainly belongs in the field of natural science and specifically within sports nutrition and sports medicine. I started my doctoral studies after 15 years of clinical work as a certified sports dietitian within Danish elite sports (Team Danmark). My clinical experiences have contributed to my interest in generating evidence-based knowledge that may be useful for athletes, coaches, sports physiologists, nutritionists and others working in the field of sports medicine.

Teaching

I am the course coordinator of and mainly teach our courses in sports nutrition. (4IM115, 4IV015,1IV003,1IV209).

Research

My research is focused on sports nutrition, sport medicine, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (REDs), and eating disorders.

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (REDs) is a syndrome, caused by low energy availability with or without co-occurring eating disorders, and the research as of 2014 until today indicates that this is one of the most common nutrition related problems among female as well as male athletes. REDs is found in all sports requiring heavy training loads, but it is most frequently found in disciplines where body weight and body composition have an impact on performance, such as at endurance, weight category and aesthetic sport disciplines.

Problematic (severe and or long-term) low energy availability entails an increased risk of metabolic and endocrine adaptations and serious physiological implications such as early-onset osteoporosis, endothelial dysfunction, and dyslipidaemia as well as overload injuries. In a study among female endurance athletes, we found that approximately 60% were clinically verified with oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea due to low energy availability, and 45% had low bone mineral density. We also found that amenorrhea due to low energy availability has a negative impact on neuromuscular endurance.

REDs can be caused by or entail an increased risk of poor mental health such as depression, eating disorders and compulsive exercise behaviour, which in turn may aggravate the symptoms and complicate the treatment.

My research groups

My ongoing research projects

My completed research projects

Publications

Selected publications

Oxfeldt, M., Phillips, S.M., Andersen, O.E., Johansen, F.T., Bangshaab, M., et al. (2023). Low energy availability reduces myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis in trained females. Journal of Physiology. 601 (16). 3481-3497.
Status: Published
Fahrenholtz, I.L., Melin, A.K., Garthe, I., Hollekim-Strand, S.M., Ivarsson, A., et al. (2023). Effects of a 16-Week Digital Intervention on Sports Nutrition Knowledge and Behavior in Female Endurance Athletes with Risk of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). Nutrients. 15 (5).
Status: Published
Torstveit, M.K., Ackerman, K.E., Constantini, N., Holtzman, B., Koehler, K., et al. (2023). Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) : a narrative review by a subgroup of the IOC consensus on REDs. British Journal of Sports Medicine. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. 57 (17). 1119-1126.
Status: Published
Mountjoy, M., Ackerman, K.E., Bailey, D.M., Burke, L.M., Constantini, N., et al. (2023). 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). British Journal of Sports Medicine. 57 (17). 1073-1097.
Status: Published
Lundy, B., Torstveit, M.K., Stenqvist, T.B., Burke, L.M., Garthe, I., et al. (2022). Screening for Low Energy Availability in Male Athletes : Attempted Validation of LEAM-Q. Nutrients. 14 (9).
Status: Published
Burke, L.M., Castell, L.M., Casa, D.J., Close, G.L., Costa, R.J.S., et al. (2019). International Association of Athletics Federations Consensus Statement 2019 : Nutrition for Athletics.. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 29 (2). 73-84.
Status: Published
Fahrenholtz, I.L., Sjödin, A., Benardot, D., Tornberg, A.B., Skouby, S., et al. (2018). Within-day energy deficiency and reproductive function in female endurance athletes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 28 (3). 1139-1146.
Status: Published
Tornberg, A.B., Melin, A.K., Koivula, F.M., Johansson, A., Skouby, S., et al. (2017). Reduced Neuromuscular Performance in Amenorrheic Elite Endurance Athletes. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 49 (12). 2478-2485.
Status: Published
Melin, A.K., Tornberg, Å.B., Skouby, S., Faber, J., Ritz, C., et al. (2014). The LEAF questionnaire : a screening tool for the identification of female athletes at risk for the female athlete triad. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 48. 540-545.
Status: Published

Article in journal (Refereed)

Pojskić, H., Schiller, J., Pagels, P., Ragnarsson, T., Melin, A.K. (2025). Are counter movement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull tests reliable, valid, and sensitive measurement instruments when performed after maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing? : A sex-based analysis in elite athletes. Frontiers in Physiology. 16.
Status: Published
Radovan, F., Solstad, B.E., Kjær, J.B., Melin, A.K., Ausland, Å., et al. (2025). Female athletes' knowledge of biopsychosocial puberty-related topics in sports : What is missing?. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 7.
Status: Published
Wasserfurth, P., Halioua, R., Toepffer, D., Lautz, Z., Engel, H., et al. (2025). Screening for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport : Detection of Clinical Indicators in Female Endurance Athletes. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 57 (6). 1257-1265.
Status: Published
Stangerup, I., Melin, A.K., Lichtenstein, M., Friis-Hansen, L., Jorgensen, N.R., et al. (2025). Lower Bone Mineral Density in Female Elite Athletes With Menstrual Dysfunction From Mixed Sports. Translational Sports Medicine. 2025.
Status: Published
Hackney, A.C., Hansen, M., Melin, A.K. (2025). Menstrual Cycle Effects on Sports Performance and Adaptations to Training : A Historical Perspective. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 35 (8).
Status: Published
Solstad, B.E., Fahrenholtz, I.L., Melin, A.K., Garthe, I., Torstveit, M.K. (2025). Participant evaluations of the FUEL intervention designed for female endurance athletes at risk of REDs : A mixed methods approach. Sports Psychiatry. 4 (2). 51-70.
Status: Published
Mountjoy, M.L., Ackerman, K.E., Bailey, D.M., Burke, L.M., Constantini, N., et al. (2025). Yes : Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Does Exist!. Sports Medicine. 55 (8). 2045-2049.
Status: Published
Melin, A.K., Areta, J.L., Heikura, I.A., Stellingwerff, T., Torstveit, M.K., et al. (2024). Direct and indirect impact of low energy availability on sports performance. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 34 (1).
Status: Published
Hamnlund, C., Kjær, J.B., Linnér, S., Melin, A.K. (2024). 'What should I do as a coach?' : an interview study with Swedish national team coaches about their professional practice and experiences in addressing potential health risks in elite sport. Sport in Society : Cultures, Media, Politics, Commerce. 27 (12). 1917-1937.
Status: Published
Laxdal, A., Torstveit, M.K., Ryman Augustsson, S., Ausland, A., Bjärsholm, D., et al. (2024). FIDES Athlete Development Programme : project background and study protocol of an embedded multiple case study. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 10 (1).
Status: Published
Lichtenstein, M.B., Hertz, S.P.T., Johansen, K.K., Rytter, J., Sundgot-Borgen, J., et al. (2024). Are Sub-elite Athletes at Higher Risk of Eating Disorders, Exercise Addiction, Depression, and Low Energy Availability Compared With Elite Athletes?. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. 34 (6). 572-577.
Status: Published
Edlund, K., Forsberg, N., Källberg, H., Melin, A.K. (2024). Assessment of eating disorder symptoms, compulsive exercise, body dissatisfaction and depression in Swedish national team gymnasts, with a one-year follow-up. Eating and Weight Disorders. 29 (1).
Status: Published
Caldwell, H.G., Jeppesen, J.S., Lossius, L.O., Atti, J.P., Durrer, C.G., et al. (2024). The whole-body and skeletal muscle metabolic response to 14 days of highly controlled low energy availability in endurance-trained females. The FASEB Journal. 38 (21).
Status: Published
Oxfeldt, M., Marsi, D., Christensen, P.M., Andersen, O.E., Johansen, F.T., et al. (2024). Low Energy Availability Followed by Optimal Energy Availability Does Not Benefit Performance in Trained Females. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 56 (5). 902-916.
Status: Published
Jeppesen, J.S., Caldwell, H.G., Lossius, L.O., Melin, A.K., Gliemann, L., et al. (2024). Low energy availability increases immune cell formation of reactive oxygen species and impairs exercise performance in female endurance athletes. Redox Biology. 75.
Status: Published
Oxfeldt, M., Phillips, S.M., Andersen, O.E., Johansen, F.T., Bangshaab, M., et al. (2023). Low energy availability reduces myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis in trained females. Journal of Physiology. 601 (16). 3481-3497.
Status: Published
Fahrenholtz, I.L., Melin, A.K., Garthe, I., Wasserfurth, P., Ivarsson, A., et al. (2023). Short-term effects and long-term changes of FUEL - a digital sports nutrition intervention on REDs related symptoms in female athletes. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 5.
Status: Published
Nordin-Bates, S.M., Lundström, P., Melin, A.K., Sundgot-Borgen, J., Edlund, K. (2023). Preventing Disordered Eating in Teenage Ballet Students : Evaluation of DancExcellent, a Combined CBT and Nutrition Education Intervention. Medical problems of performing artists. 38 (2). 71-79.
Status: Published
Karlsson, E., Alricsson, M., Melin, A.K. (2023). Symptoms of eating disorders and low energy availability in recreational active female runners. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 9 (3).
Status: Published
Onell, C., Skillgate, E., Melin, A.K., Källberg, H., Walden, M., et al. (2023). Dietary habits in adolescent male and female handball players : the Swedish Handball Cohort. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 9 (4).
Status: Published
Fahrenholtz, I.L., Melin, A.K., Garthe, I., Hollekim-Strand, S.M., Ivarsson, A., et al. (2023). Effects of a 16-Week Digital Intervention on Sports Nutrition Knowledge and Behavior in Female Endurance Athletes with Risk of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). Nutrients. 15 (5).
Status: Published
Stenqvist, T.B., Melin, A.K., Torstveit, M.K. (2023). Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Indicators in Male Adolescent Endurance Athletes : A 3-Year Longitudinal Study. Nutrients. 15 (24).
Status: Published
Lundy, B., Torstveit, M.K., Stenqvist, T.B., Burke, L.M., Garthe, I., et al. (2022). Screening for Low Energy Availability in Male Athletes : Attempted Validation of LEAM-Q. Nutrients. 14 (9).
Status: Published
Fahrenholtz, I.L., Melin, A.K., Wasserfurth, P., Stenling, A., Logue, D., et al. (2022). Risk of Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, Exercise Addiction, and Food Intolerances in Female Endurance Athletes. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 4.
Status: Published
Kuettel, A., Melin, A.K., Larsen, C.H., Lichtenstein, M.B. (2022). Depressive Symptoms in Danish Elite Athletes Using the Major Depressive Inventory (MDI) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Scandinavian Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 4 (1). 1-9.
Status: Published
Logue, D.M., Madigan, S.M., Melin, A.K., Mcdonnell, S., Delahunt, E., et al. (2021). Self-reported reproductive health of athletic and recreational active males in Ireland : potential health effects interfering with perfromance. European Journal of Sport Science. 21 (2). 275-284.
Status: Published
Stenqvist, T.B., Melin, A.K., Garthe, I., Slater, G., Paulsen, G., et al. (2021). Prevalence of Surrogate Markers of Relative Energy Deficiency in Male Norwegian Olympic-Level Athletes. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 31 (6). 497-506.
Status: Published
Lichtenstein, M.B., Melin, A.K., Szabo, A., Holm, L. (2021). The Prevalence of Exercise Addiction Symptoms in a Sample of National Level Elite Athletes. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 3.
Status: Published
Stenqvist, T.B., Torstveit, M.K., Faber, J., Melin, A.K. (2020). Impact of a 4-Week Intensified Endurance Training Intervention on Markers of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and Performance Among Well-Trained Male Cyclists. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 11. 1-11.
Status: Published
Logue, D.M., Madigan, S.M., Melin, A.K., Delahunt, E., Heinen, M., et al. (2020). Low Energy Availability in Athletes 2020 : An Updated Narrative Review of Prevalence, Risk, Within-Day Energy Balance, Knowledge and Impact of Sports Performance. Nutrients. 12 (3). 1-19.
Status: Published
Melin, A.K., Ritz, C., Faber, J., Skouby, S., Pingel, J., et al. (2019). Impact of Menstrual Function on Hormonal Response to Repeated Bouts of Intense Exercise. Frontiers in Physiology. 10. 1-8.
Status: Published
Burke, L.M., Castell, L.M., Casa, D.J., Close, G.L., Costa, R.J.S., et al. (2019). International Association of Athletics Federations Consensus Statement 2019 : Nutrition for Athletics.. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 29 (2). 73-84.
Status: Published
Torstveit, M.K., Fahrenholtz, I.L., Lichtenstein, M.B., Stenqvist, T.B., Melin, A.K. (2019). Exercise dependence, eating disorder symptoms and biomarkers of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (RED-S) among male endurance athletes. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 5 (1). 1-8.
Status: Published
Carr, A., Mcgawley, K., Govus, A., Andersson, E.P., Shannon, O.M., et al. (2019). Nutritional Intake in Elite Cross-Country Skiers During Two Days of Training and Competition. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 29 (3). 273-281.
Status: Published
Needleman, I., Rankin, A., Ashley, P., Fairbrother, T., Fine, P., et al. (2019). Infographic. Nutrition and oral health in sport : time for action. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 53 (22). 1432-1433.
Status: Published
Mountjoy, M., Sundgot-Borgen, J., Burke, L., Ackerman, K.E., Blauwet, C., et al. (2018). International Olympic Committee (IOC) Consensus Statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) : 2018 Update. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 28 (4). 316-331.
Status: Published
Mountjoy, M., Sundgot-Borgen, J.K., Burke, L.M., Ackerman, K.E., Blauwet, C., et al. (2018). IOC consensus statement on relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) : 2018 update. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 52 (11). 687-697.
Status: Published
Fahrenholtz, I.L., Sjödin, A., Benardot, D., Tornberg, A.B., Skouby, S., et al. (2018). Within-day energy deficiency and reproductive function in female endurance athletes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 28 (3). 1139-1146.
Status: Published
Staal, S., Sjödin, A., Fahrenholtz, I., Bonnesen, K., Melin, A.K. (2018). Low RMRratio as a Surrogate Marker for Energy Deficiency, the Choice of Predictive Equation Vital for Correctly Identifying Male and Female Ballet Dancers at Risk. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 28 (4). 412-418.
Status: Published
Torstveit, M.K., Fahrenholtz, I., Stenqvist, T.B., Sylta, O., Melin, A.K. (2018). Within-Day Energy Deficiency and Metabolic Perturbation in Male Endurance Athletes. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 28 (4). 419-427.
Status: Published
Tornberg, A.B., Melin, A.K., Koivula, F.M., Johansson, A., Skouby, S., et al. (2017). Reduced Neuromuscular Performance in Amenorrheic Elite Endurance Athletes. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 49 (12). 2478-2485.
Status: Published
Melin, A.K., Tornberg, A.B., Skouby, S., Moller, S.S., Faber, J., et al. (2016). Low-energy density and high fiber intake are dietary concerns in female endurance athletes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 26 (9). 1060-1071.
Status: Published
Melin, A.K., Tornberg, A.B., Skouby, S., Moller, S.S., Sundgot-Borgen, J., et al. (2015). Energy availability and the female athlete triad in elite endurance athletes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 25 (5). 610-622.
Status: Published
Melin, A.K., Tornberg, Å.B., Skouby, S., Faber, J., Ritz, C., et al. (2014). The LEAF questionnaire : a screening tool for the identification of female athletes at risk for the female athlete triad. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 48. 540-545.
Status: Published
Melin, A.K., Torstveit, M.K., Burke, L., Marks, S., Sundgot-Borgen, J. (2014). Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders in Aquatic Sports. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 24 (4). 450-459.
Status: Published
Helge, E.W., Melin, A.K., Waaddegaard, M., Kanstrup, I.-. (2012). BMD in elite female triathletes is related to isokinetic peak torque without any association to sex hormone concentrations. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 52 (5). 489-500.
Status: Published

Article in journal (Other academic)

Mountjoy, M., Ackerman, K.E., Bailey, D.M., Burke, L.M., Constantini, N., et al. (2023). 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). British Journal of Sports Medicine. 57 (17). 1073-1097.
Status: Published
Mountjoy, M., Ackerman, K.E., Bailey, D.M., Burke, L.M., Constantini, N., et al. (2023). Avoiding the 'REDs Card'. We all have a role in the mitigation of REDs in athletes. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 57 (17). 1063-1064.
Status: Published
Hackney, A.C., Melin, A.K., Ackerman, K.E., Torstveit, M.K., Burke, L.M., et al. (2023). REDs alert : male athletes be wary and scientists take action!. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 57 (17). 1066-1067.
Status: Published
Needleman, I., Ashley, P., Fairbrother, T., Fine, P., Gallagher, J., et al. (2018). Nutrition and oral health in sport : time for action. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 52 (23). 1483-1484.
Status: Published
Mountjoy, M., Maughan, R., Benardot, D., Costill, D., Cox, G., et al. (2014). FINA-Yakult consensus statement on nutrition for the aquatic sports.. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 24 (4). 349-350.
Status: Published

Article, review/survey (Refereed)

Jeppesen, J.S., Hellsten, Y., Melin, A.K., Hansen, M. (2025). Short-Term Severe Low Energy Availability in Athletes: Molecular Mechanisms, Endocrine Responses, and Performance Outcomes : A Narrative Review. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. John Wiley & Sons. 35 (6).
Status: Published
Bangsbo, J., Hostrup, M., Hellsten, Y., Hansen, M., Melin, A.K., et al. (2025). Consensus Statements - Optimizing Performance of the Elite Athlete. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. John Wiley & Sons. 35 (8).
Status: Published
Torstveit, M.K., Ackerman, K.E., Constantini, N., Holtzman, B., Koehler, K., et al. (2023). Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) : a narrative review by a subgroup of the IOC consensus on REDs. British Journal of Sports Medicine. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. 57 (17). 1119-1126.
Status: Published
Melin, A.K., Heikura, I.A., Tenforde, A., Mountjoy, M. (2019). Energy Availability in Athletics : Health, Performance, and Physique. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. Human Kinetics. 29 (2). 152-164.
Status: Published
Burke, L.M., Lundy, B., Fahrenholtz, I.L., Melin, A.K. (2018). Pitfalls of Conducting and Interpreting Estimates of Energy Availability in Free-Living Athletes. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. Human Kinetics. 28 (4). 350-363.
Status: Published

Chapter in book (Refereed)

Hansen, M., Dalgaard, L.B., Zebis, M.K., Gliemann, L., Melin, A.K., et al. (2018). The female handball player. Handball Sports Medicine : Basic Science, Injury Management and Return to Sport. Springer. 553-570.

Conference paper (Refereed)

Radovan, F., Solstad, B.E., Kjær, J.B., Melin, A.K., Ausland, Å., et al. (2025). Female athletes’ knowledge of biopsychosocial puberty-related topics in sports during adolescence : what is missing?. Presented at The European College of Sport Science (ECSS) Annual Congress, Rimini, Italy, 1-4 July, 2025.
Linnér, S., Ryman Augustsson, S., Radovan, F., Ausland, Å., Bjärsholm, D., et al. (2025). Development of the fides adp “girls are not small boys” digital educational intervention. Presented at The European College of Sport Science (ECSS) Annual Congress, Rimini, Italy, 1-4 July, 2025.
Ausland, Å., Kjær, J.B., Ivarsson, A., Torstveit, M.K., Solstad, B.E., et al. (2025). Off the beaten track : how coaches and athletes navigate female-specific topics. Presented at The European College of Sport Science (ECSS) Annual Congress, Rimini, Italy, 1-4 July, 2025.
Ahlgren, M., Kjær, J.B., Linnér, S., Pagels, P., Pojskić, H., et al. (2023). Self-reported symptoms of low energy availability among female elite athletes and controls. .