That’s according to sports medicine researchers at The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Their recently published study claims that young female professional ballet dancers face health risks when they don’t eat enough to offset the energy they expend. In addition, according to the study, most top ballet dancers suffer from amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), abnormal vascular function and low bone density.
The study queried 200 dancers about their menstrual patterns and eating habits. In addition, participants also underwent a blood test for hormonal levels. The results showed that 36% of the group had abnormal eating habits, and 77% were calorie deficient. Meanwhile, nearly 30% were amenorrheic, and 23% had low bone mass density.
To offset the medical problems each faced, researchers recommended that the dancers take high-dose folic acid supplements, which have been proven to improve vascular function in young female runners who were amenorrheic.
Researchers say athletic amenorrhea has a hormonal profile similar to menopause, and is a warning sign to female fitness fanatics that they are overtaxing their bodies. Studies show that doing so not only reduces vascular dilation, which can limit oxygen uptake and affect performance, but it can also lead to the deterioration of bone density.
Researchers say the study proves the importance of folic acid for women, who maintain rigorous exercise routines, and who may not be taking in as many calories as they burn. For those of you who do not take a daily folic acid supplement, you should know that both children and adults require folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia. Folic acid, which is also known as vitamin B9, folacin and collate, is vital for cell growth.
While the study yielded some disturbing finds about women, who take exercising to the extreme, researchers say women can benefit from an active lifestyle, which includes a balance of proper nutrition and daily exercise.
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