Vitamin D status of females in an elite gymnastics program.
OBJECTIVE
Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium and bone metabolism. In Australia it has been assumed that all young athletes have good vitamin D levels. A survey of females in an elite gymnastics program was undertaken to determine their vitamin D and dietary calcium status.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Females in an elite gymnastics program at the Australian Institute of Sport.


METHODS
Eighteen female gymnasts aged 10-17 years were assessed for vitamin D status (serum 25[OH]D) and dietary calcium intake.


RESULTS
Fifteen were found to have levels below current recommended guidelines for optimal bone health (<75 nmol/L). Six had vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L. Thirteen of the gymnasts also had daily dietary calcium intakes below the daily recommended intake for their age.


CONCLUSIONS
Gymnasts and possibly other indoor athletes should be carefully reviewed for vitamin D and calcium status.
Lovell
Greg
G
Department of Sports Medicine, Australian Institute of Sport, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. greg.lovell@ausport.gov.au
D000293:Adolescent; D001315:Australia; D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004034:Diet Surveys; D005260:Female; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006173:Gymnastics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009752:Nutritional Status; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000097:blood*
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D014807:Vitamin D