Anthropometric measurements and immune responses in elite gymnasts and in patients with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess anthropometry and immune responses in three groups of young females age 13–17 years: 24 anorexia nervosa patients (ANP), 10 elite gymnasts (GYM) who exercised for at least 48 hours per week, and 50 sedentary students who exercised for less than 12 hours per week and were assessed as controls (C). BMI, IBW, total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, CD2, CD3, CD$ and CD8 subset counts were lower in GYM and ANP groups compared with controls. Leukocyte count was higher and lymphocyte count was lower in GYM than in ANP. CD56 counts were the lowest in ANP and were similar in GYM and C groups. The response to delayed hypersensitivity tests was lower in GYM compared to than in C group. None of the ANP subjects showed any response, thereby demonstrating complete anergy. It may be concluded that both anthropometry and immunological tests are consistent with the presence of subclinical malnutrition in GYM and ANP groups, particularly the latter. These findings should form the basis of strategies for prevention of overt malnutrition and its consequences in young elite sportswomen.