IS A GYMNAST’S PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH AFFECTED BY VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY?

Abstract

This study examined the effect of vitamin D deficiency on bone strength and jumping and competition performance in 38 sub-junior gymnasts. Each sub-junior gymnast completed anthropometry, blood, bone (pQCT), and biomechanical jumping tests, as well as a Tanner survey and 3 day food diary. Vitamin D was not related to bone health, and was not positively related to any biomechanical or competition performance measures. The repetitive, high impact training of gymnastics was most important for bone health.