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Vitamin D status of females in an elite gymnastics program
1Department of Sports Medicine, Australian Institute of Sport, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. greg.lovell@ausport.gov.au
Objective:
Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium and bone metabolism. In Australia it has been assumed that all young athletes have good vitamin D levels. A survey of females in an elite gymnastics program was undertaken to determine their vitamin D and dietary calcium status.
Design:
Cross-sectional survey.
Setting:
Females in an elite gymnastics program at the Australian Institute of Sport.
Participants And Outcome Measures:
Eighteen female gymnasts aged 10-17 years were assessed for vitamin D status (serum 25[OH]D) and dietary calcium intake.
Results:
Fifteen were found to have levels below current recommended guidelines for optimal bone health (<75 nmol/L). Six had vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L. Thirteen of the gymnasts also had daily dietary calcium intakes below the daily recommended intake for their age.
Conclusions:
Gymnasts and possibly other indoor athletes should be carefully reviewed for vitamin D and calcium status.
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