Are elite gymnasts really malnourished? Evaluation of diet, anthropometry and immunocompetence

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytokine production capacity by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in a group of female elite gymnasts. Methods: Study subjects were 13 young sportswomen from the Federacion Espanola de Gimnasia, whose regular training accounted for a mea n exercise performance of 48 h/wk. A control group of 20 healthy volunteers (<12 h/wk of exercise) were also studied. IL-2, IFN-<gamma>, IL-1 beta, IL -6 and TNF-alpha production was measured in 48 h cultures of PHA stimulated PBMC by ELISA. Anthropometrical parameters and a 7-day dietary record ques tionnaire were also assessed. Results: Weight, BMI and calorie intake (1258 +/- 133 vs 2034 +/- 301 kcal/d) were significantly lower in gymnasts compa red to the control group. IL-2 production showed lower values and IFN-gamma and IL-1 beta showed higher values in gymnasts than in controls. No differ ences were found in IL-6 and TNF-alpha production between both groups. Cyto kine production is altered in highly trained elite gymnasts in basal condit ions reflecting a particular status of their immunocompetence that could be affected by the intensity and regularity of their exercise, the hormonal c hanges, stressful life conditions and very impaired nutrient intakes. (C) 2 001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.