[Nutritional habits of young chess players]

Proper nutrition plays significant role in children's development and health protection in adults, as well. Therefore such a study is extremely important particularly among youth population. It is well known that adequate nutrition also helps to achieve high sport results. The aim of the study was the nutritional habits evaluation of young chess players.

A total of 75 chess players aged 8-19 years took part in the study. Among them there were 36 girls (48%) and 39 boys (52%). Subjects belonged to the Polish Chess Academy, medalists of the Polish, European and world youth championships and members of the Polish national team. Used questionnaire allowed to collect data about regular diet of young athletes.

Recommended number of 4-5 meals per day was consumed only by 55% persons. Another observed disadvantageous nutritional habit among responders was missing first breakfasts (75%), especially during competitions. Less than half of subjects declared regular meals intake during the day (from 25 to 43%). Moreover, it was noticed, that 13,3% chess players ate vegetables and fruits only one time per day. Sweets were taken at least one time per day by 22 to 50% participants.

Due to numerous nutritional mistakes in studied population it is compulsory to conduct nutritional education among athletes and among their parents and coaches as well.