Effects of nutrient intake and exercise on bone mineral density in pre-adolescent female gymnasts

This study assessed the bone mineral densities [lumbar spine L2-4 (LS), femoral neck (FN) and total body (TB)], of eleven pre-adolescent female gymnasts. In addition, correlations were examined between selected nutrient intakes, lean body mass (LBM) and length of participation in a weight bearing exercise, with bone mineral density (BMD) in the gymnasts. Nutrient intakes were assessed by three day food records. Bone mineral density and LBM were obtained by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).;Selected nutrient intakes were adequate compared to their age appropriate recommendations. Energy intake was positively correlated with FN BMD and it was statistically significant. Lumbar spine, FN and TB BMD of the gymnasts were significantly higher than age matched references. Lean body mass was positively and significantly correlated with BMD in all three areas. Thus, LBM and weight bearing exercise increase BMD in pre-adolescent females.