Inadequate Nutrition and Chronic Calorie Restriction in Adolescent Ballerinas.

In brief: Studies show that adult ballerinas practice poor nutrition habits, but little research has been done on adolescent dancers. The authors analyzed the diet composition of 92 female ballet dancers aged 12 to 17 enrolled in six professional schools. Three- day diet histories were used to compile data, and a dietitian worked with the dancers to ensure accuracy in record keeping. The results showed poor nutrition habits and low calorie and nutrition intake. Sixty percent routinely took vitamin or mineral supplements, but not properly. Unfortunately, the dancers' desire to maintain a sylphlike, willowy body makes them unwilling to consume the number of calories required for a healthy diet. A nutrition class in the dance school curriculum would help increase their knowledge and improve their dietary habits.