Energy and Nutrient Intakes of the United States National Women's Artistic Gymnastics Team

Abstract

The nutrient intakes and dietary practices of elite, U.S. national team, artistic female gymnasts (n = 33) were evaluated using 3-day food records. The gymnasts' reported energy intake was 34.4 kcal/kg (total 1,678 kcal/day), which was 20% below the estimated energy requirement. The contributions of protein, fat, and carbohydrate to total energy intake were 17%, 18%, and 66%, respectively. All reported vitamin intakes, except vitamin E, were above the RDA. The reported mineral intakes, especially calcium, zinc, and magnesium, were less than 100% of the RDA. The overall nutrient densities of the subjects' diets were higher than expected. Eighty-two percent of the gymnasts reported taking nonprescription vitamin and mineral supplements, and 10% reported taking prescription vitamin and mineral supplements. Forty-eight percent of the gymnasts reported being on a self-prescribed diet. Compared to NHANES III, the reported nutrient intake of these gymnasts was different from that of the average U.S. adolescent female. In summary, certain key nutrients such as calcium, iron, and zinc should be given more attention to prevent nutrient deficiencies and subsequent health consequences.

Micronutrients: interaction between physical activity, intakes and requirements

“…Vitamin intakes in female athletes are typically above the recommendations, but not very much higher than in untrained females 28,30,33,53,[57][58][59][60][61] . Several studies have found low iron 28,30,53,[57][58][59][60][61] , zinc 30,59,62 and copper 28 intakes in both female athletes and controls. However, these results may at least partly be explained by underreported dietary intake 63 .…”

Gymnastics

“…Vitamin C intake in four other studies was only marginally better than the recommended intake of 60 mg/day (Ersoy, 1991;Lindholm et al, 1995;Moffatt, 1984;Short & Short, 1983). In two surveys of 7-to 10-year-old and 11-to 14-year-old gymnasts, the intake of vitamin C was approximately double the recommended level for age and gender (Benardot et al, 1989;Jonnalagadda et al, 1998).…”

“…Vitamin B2 (Ribofl avin) With the exception of two surveys (Benardot et al, 1989;Jonnalagadda et al, 1998), all other nutrient intake studies dysfunction of reproductive hormones occurs below 20-30 kcal/kgLBM/day of energy availability (energy consumed minus exercise energy expended in training). Amenorrhea is now considered the most serious clinical problem associated with abnormal bone development (Roupas & Georgopoulos, 2011).…”

Training does not affect protein turnover in pre- and early pubertal female gymnasts

“…Nutritional assessments of young female gymnasts indicate that many of these girls have an intake which is less than the usual recommended dietary allowance (DRI 2002) for their age and physical activity level (Jonnalagadda et al 1998;Fogelholm et al 1995;Cupisti et al 2000;Weimann et al 1999). Female gymnasts require grace and the ability to achieve rapidly coordinated movements, which necessitates a lean body.…”