Nutrition Habits and Knowledge in Competitive Adolescent Female Gymnasts

Abstract

In brief: Diet quality and nutrition knowledge were evaluated in 97 competitive female adolescent gymnasts. Each gymnast kept a three-day diet record and completed a questionnaire. The gymnasts averaged only 1,838 kcal per day, which is 300 kcal less than the recommended energy intake for 13-year-old girls 60 in. tall. More than 40% consumed diets that provided less than two thirds of the recommended dietary allowance for calcium, folate, vitamin B6, iron, and zinc. Their nutrition knowledge was poor; thus, a nutrition education program would be valuable for these athletes.