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Serum zinc in highly trained adolescent gymnasts
J F Brun1, C Dieu-Cambrezy, A Charpiat
1INSERM U103 (Biomechanics), Montpellier, France.
Biological Trace Element Research
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Intense training in adolescent gymnasts significantly lowers serum zinc levels, particularly in females. This zinc deficiency may impact pubertal maturation, growth, and muscular performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Intense physical training in adolescents can affect growth and development.
- Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for numerous physiological processes, including growth and sexual maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum zinc levels in adolescent gymnasts.
- To determine the relationship between intense training, zinc status, and pubertal development.
- To explore potential sex-based differences in zinc levels among these athletes.
Main Methods:
- Serum zinc concentrations were measured in 20 adolescent gymnasts (ages 12-15).
- Data were compared to a control group of 118 sedentary children.
- Correlations were analyzed between zinc levels, isometric adductor strength, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3).
Main Results:
- Adolescent gymnasts exhibited significantly lower serum zinc levels (0.599 mg/L) compared to controls (0.81 mg/L).
- Female gymnasts had lower zinc levels than male gymnasts (0.557 mg/L vs. 0.651 mg/L).
- Lower serum zinc (<0.6 mg/L) was associated with reduced IGFBP-3 levels and correlated with isometric adductor strength.
Conclusions:
- Intense training in adolescent gymnasts is associated with reduced serum zinc.
- Female gymnasts demonstrate particularly low zinc levels, suggesting a potential vulnerability.
- Zinc deficiency may contribute to impaired pubertal maturation, growth deficits, and reduced muscular performance in this population.