Body Composition, Dietary Intake and the Risk of Low Energy Availability in Elite-Level Competitive Rhythmic Gymnasts

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze dietary intake and body composition in a group of elite-level competitive rhythmic gymnasts from Spain. We undertook body composition and nutritional analysis of 30 elite gymnasts, divided into two groups by age: pre-teen (9–12 years) (n = 17) and teen (13–18 years) (n = 13). Measures of height, weight, and bioimpedance were used to calculate body mass index and percent body fat. Energy and nutrient intakes were assessed based on 7-day food records. The two groups had similar percentages of total body fat (pre-teen: 13.99 ± 3.83% vs. teen: 14.33 ± 5.57%; p > 0.05). The energy availability values for pre-teens were above the recommended values (>40 kcal/FFM/day) 69.38 ± 14.47 kcal/FFM/day, while those for the teens were much lower (34.7 ± 7.5 kcal/FFM/day). The distribution of the daily energy intake across the macronutrients indicates that both groups ingested less than the recommended level of carbohydrates and more than the recommended level of fat. Very low intakes of calcium and vitamin D among other micronutrients were also noted. The main finding is that teenage gymnasts do not consume as much energy as they need each day, which explains their weight and development. Moreover, they are at a high risk of developing low energy availability that could negatively impact their performance and future health.

Eating Behaviours in Sportswomen from the Silesian Training in Different Sports Disciplines

“…The difference in eating fast food proved to be statistically significant in the control group, while sportspeople training in athletic disciplines (sprint, throw, and jump) were characterised by the highest consumption of sweets [ 17 ]. In a study conducted by Villa et al, in a group of elite female gymnasts, it was noted that sportswomen consumed less carbohydrates than the recommended level, which did not supply the required energy, which explains their low body weight and poses a risk to their health and sports capacity [ 38 ].…”

Level of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Weight Status among Adolescent Female Gymnasts: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The fact that nearly two-thirds of the adolescent athletes in our study do not fully adhere to the MD causes serious concern, as this means they may not consume enough nutrients, which are necessary for their health, growth, and athletic performance, thus being at risk of nutritional deficiencies. Previous research has demonstrated that adolescent gymnasts often have inadequate macronutrient and micronutrient intakes [ 32 , 34 , 36 , 37 ].…”

“…Several studies have shown that adolescent gymnasts are in a low energy availability status, being at a high risk for the development of RED-S and the female athlete triad, as a result of low energy diets and unhealthy methods to control their weight [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. In parallel, research also indicates that adolescent gymnasts are at greater risk of exhibiting disordered eating behaviors and a plethora of micronutrient deficiencies and inadequate intakes, involving mainly calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamin D, and zinc [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 36 , 37 ].…”

Dietary Iron and the Elite Dancer

“…The combination of an energy restricted diet alongside the activity of dancing, particularly during phases involving heavy rehearsal and performance components, places dancers at risk of LEA and subsequently RED-S [9]. Several studies in female aesthetic sports and performing arts have indicated that these athletes are at a high risk of developing LEA [50][51][52][53]. For instance, a study of female pre-professional ballet students found that 44% had a reduced energy availability of 30-45 kcal/kg/FFM/day, and 22% had a low energy availability of < 30 kcal/kg/FFM/day [54].…”