Aim. Nutrition and nutritional status can substantially affect the physical capacity and performance in sprint-based sports. Bearing this in mind, the aim of the study was to assess diet, nutritional habits and body composition in a group of highly-trained sprinters. Basic procedures. The study included 9 sprinters (2 women and 7 men), specialized in 100-m and 200-m sprints, members of the Polish national track and field team, aged 23.4 ± 2.8 years. Dietary practices were assessed using dietary recordings of all products consumed by the athletes during 5 consecutive days and a validated food frequency questionnaire. Body composition was analyzed using electrical bioimpedance. Main findings. Sprinters ate the recommended amount of vegetable and fruit portions (> 3 servings/day), dairy products (> 3 servings/day) and meat (>2 servings/day). However, a very low consumption of fish (<1 servings/week), vegetable oils (<0.5 servings/week) and whole-wheat bread (<1.5 servings/day) was revealed. Mean energy intake in the diets was 3786 ± 1089 kcal. Irregularities in the athletes` diets were observed only as regards elevated protein intake (~2.1 g/kgbm) and lower vitamin levels: D (60% of normal intake) and B1 (80% of normal intake), as well as the share of carbohydrates in the diet (~54% of energy), with normal CHO intake relative to body mass (~6.5 g/kgbm) at the same time. Body composition analysis showed normal values, although in females we found low total water levels (~52.9%). Conclusion. Sprinters made little nutritional mistakes as confirmed by normal body composition. However, in this particular group, an increased intake of fish, vegetable oils, whole-grain breads, carbohydrates and some vitamins is recommended.
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