Nutrient Intake of Iron and Water-soluble Vitamins, Blood Iron Level and Vitamin Status in Female High School Rhythmic Gymnasts

• Published in: Eiyōgaku zasshi Vol. 63; no. 5; pp. 285 - 290
• Main Authors: Hamada, Shigeo, Masuda, Reika, Imamura, Hiroyuki, Yamashita, Asuka, Miyamoto, Noriko, Miyahara, Keiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Japanese Society of Nutrition and Dietetics 2005
• Subjects: iron deficiency anemia; iron level; nutrition; rhythmic gymnast; vitamin status
• ISSN: 0021-5147; 1883-7921
• DOI: 10.5264/eiyogakuzashi.63.285

The iron and vitamin intake, blood iron level and vitamin status in 14 female high school rhythmic gymnasts were investigated. Four subjects (anemia group) were classified into three blood iron levels: 2 subjects had prepotential iron deficiency, one had potential iron deficiency and one had iron deficiency anemia. Two subjects in the anemia group were on a special diet, so that the anemia group showed a significantly lower energy intake (kcal/body weight) than that of the normal group (n=10). Ferritin was significantly correlated with the energy intake and iron level from cereals. The blood iron status of the anemia group was poor due to the low energy and iron intakes, although the vitamin B1 and B2 intakes in all subjects were higher than the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs), while the blood vitamin B1 and B2 status of all subjects was adequate.