Vitamin D status of females in an elite gymnastics program.

OBJECTIVE Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium and bone metabolism. In Australia it has been assumed that all young athletes have good vitamin D levels. A survey of females in an elite gymnastics program was undertaken to determine their vitamin D and dietary calcium status. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Females in an elite gymnastics program at the Australian Institute of Sport. PARTICIPANTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES Eighteen female gymnasts aged 10-17 years were assessed for vitamin D status (serum 25[OH]D) and dietary calcium intake. RESULTS Fifteen were found to have levels below current recommended guidelines for optimal bone health (<75 nmol/L). Six had vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L. Thirteen of the gymnasts also had daily dietary calcium intakes below the daily recommended intake for their age. CONCLUSIONS Gymnasts and possibly other indoor athletes should be carefully reviewed for vitamin D and calcium status.