Abstract

This study was conducted with 20 female gymnasts to examine the relationship between eating patterns, diet menstrual function and hematological status. According to the baseline data a nutrition counseling and education program was developed and evaluated improved the nutritional status and health of female gymnasts. Mean body weight at the onset of the study was 42.1+/-7.0kg and was reduced to 41.8+/-6.1kg after the nutrition counseling and education program. The percent of body fat was significantly reduced from 13.9+/-3.7% to 13.1+/-3.1%(p<0.01) skinfold thickness of subscapular and thighs was reduced significantly(p<0.01, p<0.05) Mean daily intake levels of energy, protein calcium iron thiamin riboflavin and niacin were significantly elevated after the nutrition counseling and education program but were lower than the Recommenced Dietary Allowances. For the nutrition knowledge and food habits, the posttest mean scores showed a significant increase. The hematological status(hematocrit, serum ferritin) and the early follicle level of estradiol were elevated to a mild degree although it was not significant,. The follicular stimulating hormone level was elevated significantly(p<0.01) Gymnastica has been one of the sports implicated by the medical profession as having probable detrimental effects. The implications of such training to childs growth and maturation have yet to be determined . Most female athletes, however, experience poor nutritional status and delayed puberty The priorities were to prepared a more effective nutrition program and education material status and delayed puberty. The priorities were prepared a more effective nutrition program and educational material for athletes coaches and adminstrators to prepare guidelines for the team physicians and coaches to follow for the physical and physiological examinations of female athletes.

• Keywords: eating patterns; nutrition education; delayed puberty; improving nutritional status