Carbohydrates consumption pre exercise attenuate bone resorption marker in young female gymnasts

Purpose: Bone mineral density (BMD) is modified by environmental factors like diet, nutritional status and exercise. Athletes have higher bone turnover than sedentary individuals but prolonged exercise might result in a negative remodeling balance and compromise skeletal health. Strenuous exercise and fasting may induce osteoclastic activity that is not necessarily accompanied by a compensatory increase in osteoblastic activity. The purpose of this study was to understand if there is specific nutrition to allow best performance and reduce bone resorption that occurs after exercise in athletes. Methods: A group of 28 gymnasts aged between 9 and 14 years old (13 ± 1.71) playing artistic gymnastics for at least 6 years at a precompetitive level were enrolled in our study. Subjects were evaluated by anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI, % FM,% Lm,% W,% BM) and by self-report questionnaires (ESPQ, Energy Self-Perception Questionnaire) at the end of a training session. The subjects were divided into a sandwich group (SG) with carb-based snacks, and a cereal group (CG) with the other carb/protein based snacks. The different isocaloric meals of 330 kCal had the follow composition: SG 40.6 g carbs, 13.85 g pro, 4.7 g fats and GC with 68 g carbs, 7 g pro, 2 g fats. Food was administered 90 minutes before a 90-min high-intensity training session. To check the energy status of athletes after taking the two different snacks and to evaluate bone resorption, the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), glucagon-like peptides (GLP) 1 and 2, and the gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) was analysed from four urine samples, collected at different time points: pre-snack (t0); after 90 minutes from the snack (t1); at the end of training (t2); after 60 minutes from the end of training (t3). To evaluate these markers, we used a flow technology coupled with an ORBITRAPTM mass spectrometer. Results: The snacks provided had a positive effect on the performance of the gymnasts. In particular, 55% felt a change in their performance and reported an increase in energy and attention during training. All the gymnasts involved in the study showed the same lean mass of 39.7% and bone mass 9.4%; the responders also reported an improvement in energy during the training after the intake snack provided (36%). Conclusions: In conclusions, concerning the assessment of biomarkers of bone resorption, there are some evidence that show a change following the snacks intake. In particular the results suggests that the consumption of a carbs meal before training reduces post exercise resorption in athletes, as evidenced by reduced CTX levels sixty minutes after the end of physical activity. A suitable pre-workout snack based carbs is essential to improve performance, reduce fatigue and bone resorption in young gymnasts. This is a pilot study that needs a deep investigation to confirm the preliminary results obtained.