• Nutrition · Jun 2023

    Case Reports

    Lower calcium and iron intake in adolescent gymnasts: A case of concern for youth sports nutrition.

    • Filipa Vicente, Marcela Holanda, Renata Ramalho, João Mendes, Pedro Marques-Vidal, and Paula Pereira.
    • Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CIIEM), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal; Grupo de Estudos em Nutrição Aplicada (GENA), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal. Electronic address: fvicente@egasmoniz.edu.pt.
    • Nutrition. 2023 Jun 1; 110: 112020112020.

    ObjectivesDiet is important for the appropriate development and maturation of young amateur athletes. The aim of this study was to determine whether young gymnasts were consuming adequate amounts of nutrients, particularly calcium and iron.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted in Portugal's Almada and Lisbon regions in 2020. To determine if participants' diet was adequate, weight, height, and skinfold measurements were taken. Dietary consumption was examined using two 24-h recalls. We collected data from 66 participants (60% females, 12-18 y of age), of whom 82% had normal weight and 39% had ideal body fat.ResultsThe daily total energy intake (TEI) was1605 ± 601 kcal. Of the TEI, 19%, 31%, and 50% were comprised of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, respectively. The most often consumed protein sources were poultry and ultra-processed meat products (52% and 45%, respectively). The average daily consumption of calcium and iron was 626 ± 293 and 9 ± 3 mg, respectively. Only 2 of the 66 participants had calcium intake within recommended levels, and 1of 5 had iron intake within recommended levels, the percentage of which was lower in girls than boys (7.5% versus 38.5%, P < 0.05).ConclusionsDespite having a sufficient macronutrient distribution, Portuguese gymnasts consume a high amount of ultra-processed items and a low amount of calcium and iron. The low proportion of female gymnasts with adequate iron consumption is cause for worry in sports nutrition.Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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