studied. Therefore, it is unclear whether small
stature would translate into a generally lower
requirement for a nutrient, or the higher lean
mass would translate into a generally higher
requirement for a nutrient. In addition, there is
no clear way to predict how anaerobic activities
might influence nutrient usage (and require-
ment) in this population (Table 45.4).
Vitamin A (retinol)
In three studies evaluating vitamin A intake in
gymnasts, subjects consumed less than the rec-
ommended level of 1000 mgRE(Moffatt 1984;
Reggianiet al. 1989; Ersoy 1991). In four other
surveys, gymnasts were found to consume ade-
quate levels of vitamin A (Short & Short 1983;
Benardot et al. 1989; Lindholm et al. 1995). There
is no apparent pattern of vitamin A intake among
younger, older, elite and non-elite gymnasts.
When a value of 75% of the RDA is applied to the
intake of vitamin A, all surveys indicate that the
consumption of vitamin A in gymnasts is ade-
quate. (See Chapters 20 and 21 for information on
vitamins.)
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Only one study, which evaluated vitamin C
596 sport-specific nutrition
consumption in 12–13-year-old competitive
gymnasts in Italy, noted an intake that was
marginally below the recommended intake (56.1
vs. 60.0 mg; Reggiani et al. 1989). The intake of
vitamin C in four other studies was only margin-
ally better than the recommended intake of
60 mg · day–1(Short & Short 1983; Moffatt 1984;
Ersoy 1991; Lindholm et al. 1995). In one survey
of 7–10-year-old and 11–14-year-old gymnasts,
the intake of vitamin C was approximately
double the recommended level (adjusted for age
and gender; Benardot et al.1989). (See Chapters
20 and 21 for information on vitamins.)Vitamin B 1 (thiamin)
The intake of vitamin B 1 was below the recom-
mended level of 1.3–1.5 mg · day–1 in three
surveys of gymnasts (Short & Short 1983; Moffatt
1984; Reggiani et al. 1989; Ersoy 1991). A margin-
ally adequate intake of vitamin B 1 was found in
7–10-year-old and 11–14-year-old competitive
female gymnasts (Benardot et al.1989). The gym-
nastic survey data are troubling because of the
strong and well-established association between
thiamin intake and athletic performance. It is
likely that athletes consuming an adequate level
of energy would obtain a sufficient level of
vitamin B 1 if a wide variety of foods, emphasiz-Table 45.4Summary of selected nutrient intakes in surveys of artistic gymnasts. Values are average intakes.
Vit. A Vit. C Vit. B 1 Vit. B 2 Niacin Calcium Iron
Subject group (n)(mgRE) (mg) (mg) (mg) (mgNE) (mg) (mg) Reference
College elite male (10) 1100 97.0 1.10 1.20 16.00 1059 12.0 Short and Short (1983)
High-school female (13) 883 83.6 1.04 1.39 13.36 706 11.3 Moffatt (1984)
7–10-year-old 1031 129.0 1.40 1.80 17.50 840 11.0 Benardot et al. (1989)
competitive female (29)
11–14-year-old 1127 145.0 1.50 1.80 18.20 867 11.0 Benardot et al. (1989)
competitive female (22)
12–13-year-old 771 56.1 0.60 0.70 8.70 539 6.2 Reggiani et al. (1989)
competitive female (26)
10–12 year-old 834 64.0 0.74 1.45 8.50 397 8.4 Ersoy (1991)
competitive female (20)
Elite adolescent female (22) 1200 79.0 ——— 1215 14.0 Lindholm et al. (1995)
College elite female (26) — ———— 683 11.8 Kirchner et al. (1995)