The Preventable Effect of Taekwondo Sport among Cadets and Junior’ Bone Mineral Density: DEXA Assessment

Abstract

Athletes competing in Taekwondo (TKD), the weight-category sport, tend to rapidly lose weight to achieve the desired body weight for better competitive results. Little is known about the effect of rapid weight reduction on bone mass density (BMD), especially during childhood and adolescence. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of rapid weight loss on BMD among cadets and juniors TKD athletes. A descriptive case series study design was conducted and collected from 28 males and females aged 12–17 years old, with mean age 14.4 ± 1.7. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used for both BMD and body composition assessment, and laboratory tests were also performed for the total calcium (Ca), TSH, free T4 (FT4), and 25-OH-vitamin D. Results showed normal levels of Ca (82.1%), TSH (96.4%), and FT4 (96.4%), whilst 85.7% had vitamin D deficiency. DEXA results showed that within male athletes, juniors had a wider range of BMD than cadets, while within females, results did not vary, with no statistical difference between both males and females. Our results suggested that children and adolescents’ BMD was positively related to TKD sport regardless of the abnormal weight loss strategies used, as evidenced by laboratory results. Children and adolescents should be conscious and practice TKD sport adopting healthy weight loss behaviors.

Athletes’ nutritional demands: a narrative review of nutritional requirements

“…Athletes consuming a diet rich in energy from nutrient-dense foods typically do not require vitamin and mineral supplements. However, those who struggle to meet their micronutrient needs may benefit from supplementation, guided by a sports nutritionist ( 91 , 92 ). It’s crucial to emphasize that while micronutrients are crucial for health, they do not exert ergogenic effects, and factors like low-energy diets, vegetarianism, illness, and injuries can contribute to micronutrient deficiencies ( 40 , 93 ).…”

“…After exercising, there is a notable increase in muscle damage and protein degradation in the aftermath of exercise (161,181). Moreover, when glycogen stores are depleted, the pace of protein breakdown increases, as amino acids could potentially undergo gluconeogenesis to be utilized in replenishing levels of glycogen (91). As a result, it is crucial to consume protein after exercise to mitigate the breakdown of proteins and assist in the repair of muscle damage (183).…”

Exploring the Relationship between Micronutrients and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Scientific Systematic Review of the Literature in Sports Medicine

“…Moreover, it can be synthesized in vivo and be activated by sunlight within a duration of 15 to 20 min of exposure [ 44 ]. It also plays an important role in calcium homeostasis and constant healthy bone [ 30 ], functions of improving the immune system, musculoskeletal system, power, and force output [ 45 ].…”

“…Vitamin D supplementation has been increased among athletes [ 45 ]. Unfortunately, the widespread vitamin D insufficiency has been clearly stated in elite male athletes, with evidence of a deficit in women [ 46 ].…”

“…One common energy deficiency condition among athletes is the female athlete triad, characterized by disordered eating, negative energy balance, and irregular or absent menstrual cycles [ 315 ]. This condition predisposes women to menstrual dysfunction (amenorrhea) [ 316 ], diminished bone mineral density, and premature osteoporosis [ 45 ]. Each defect of the triad represents a significant medical concern, and if occurring together, the possibility of health concerns becomes even more serious and can often cause potential threats to life [ 317 ].…”