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A nutrition study in juvenile elite gymnasts
C Lindholm1, K Hagenfeldt, U Hagman
1Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Elite gymnasts and healthy peers show inadequate nutrient intake, particularly iron and fiber. Both groups consume fewer calories than needed, impacting gymnasts' body fat and menstrual cycles.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Elite training demands high energy, potentially impacting adolescent athletes' nutritional status.
- Understanding nutritional intake is crucial for optimizing health and performance in young athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare nutritional intake and energy balance in elite female gymnasts and healthy controls.
- To investigate the relationship between energy intake, body composition, and menstrual function in adolescent gymnasts.
Main Methods:
- Nutritional intake was assessed in 22 elite female gymnasts and 22 healthy controls.
- Energy needs were estimated, and body fat and menstrual patterns were clinically evaluated.
Main Results:
- Both groups had insufficient intake of iron and dietary fiber.
- Gymnasts and controls consumed significantly less energy than estimated needs.
- Gymnasts exhibited lower body fat, delayed menarche, and irregular menstruation compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Elite gymnasts and healthy adolescents share suboptimal nutrient intake and energy deficits.
- Higher energy expenditure in gymnasts is linked to reduced body fat and altered pubertal development, including menstrual irregularities.