Nutrition survey in elite rhythmic gymnasts

Background. Young female rhythmic gymnasts have been identified as a potent ial risk group for malnutrition because of their attitude of weight reducti on and leanness. Methods. This study aimed to assess the dietary practices of 20 rhythmic gy mnasts of the Italian national team, on the basis of a three-day food recor ds collected by clinical interview. Twenty-four age-matched non-athletic fe males served as controls. Results. The reported energy intake was similar in gymnasts and controls (2 8.5+/-5.6 vs 28.2+/-7.8 kcal/kg b.w. per day), but less than the recommende d and the estimated requirements. Energy intake from carbohydrates was high er (53+/-6 vs 49+/-6%, p<0.05) and that from lipids lower (31+6 vs 34+/-4%, p<0.05) in gymnasts than in controls. In the former the energy supply from breakfast was higher (24+/-2 vs 16+/-4%, p<0.001) and from snacks was lowe r (8+/-9 vs 17+/-10%, p<0.01). Gymnasts also distinguished from controls fo r lower cholesterol and saturated fatty acid intake, and for higher fibre ( 14+/-5 vs 9+/-2 g/1000 kcal, p<0.001) and Vitamin A dietary content. Calciu m, iron and zinc intake were less than 100% RDA in both groups. Conclusions. In some ways, dietary practices of rhythmic gymnasts meet nutr itional recommendations more than those of non athletic controls, though di screpancy between reported energy intake and estimated energy requirement e xists. Suboptimal calcium, iron and zinc intake were observed both in gymna sts and in controls, hence minerals supplementation could be required. The dietary attitude could be regarded as a positive aspect of rhythmic gymnast ics, provided athletes, physicians and coaches correct dietary errors and a void excessive food restrictions.