Age-Specific Dietary Needs for Children and Adolescents

Caloric needs vary according to age, growth stage, and activity level. For example, the recommended caloric intake for children between 2 and 3 is between 1000 and 1400 calories a day. This amount increases with age; children between 11 and 12 need between 1800 and 2200 calories daily. Teens require about 2800 calories a day for males and 2200 a day for females. During a growth spurt, children of every age will require additional calories.

The body uses protein to build muscle and bone and synthesize hormones and enzymes, and fats provide energy and help our bodies absorb some essential vitamins. Protein requirements for children vary by age and weight, but it is generally close to a gram per kilogram of weight every day. Specifically, a toddler typically needs 1.05 grams of protein per kilogram daily; teenagers need about 0.85. As for fats, it is essential not to restrict fat intake in babies under age 1. For children 1 to 3, calories should make up between 30% and 40% of daily calories and 25% to 35% in children over 4.

Proper nutrition can affect many areas of development. Healthy eating contributes to strong bones and teeth, stable energy, and improved mental health. It can also contribute to maintaining a healthier weight and preventing chronic diseases later in life.

Some   guidelines for crafting a balanced lunch include selecting items from all five major food groups: grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Aim to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables to get a range of nutrients, and cut back on unnecessary fats found in foods like fried snacks or rich dressings.

• Tip: Avoid relying on vending machines, which often offer high-calorie, less healthy snack options. Choosing whole, unprocessed foods will greatly improve the quality of your lunch.

Building a nutritious lunchbox involves choosing a variety of items across all five food groups to ensure a well-rounded diet. Ideally, your lunch should include one serving each of a fruit and a vegetable, two servings of whole grains, a serving of protein such as lean meat or beans, and a dairy product.

Create a sandwich with whole grain bread and slices of lean chicken or turkey. Pair this with a side of chopped veggies and a low-fat yogurt dip. Add some cheese for dairy, and complete the meal with a mixed fruit salad. This approach not only diversifies the nutrients in the meal but also makes lunch more enjoyable and satisfying.

Parents of children with allergies, and the children themselves as they grow older, should learn how to read food labels to avoid allergens. This skill is critical in preventing allergic reactions and promoting safety in food choices. Many common allergens, such as nuts, dairy, and gluten, can appear in unexpected products.

For allergen-free alternatives, consider substituting traditional dairy milk with rice or oat milk, which are generally safe for those with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. Solid options for allergen-free snacks and meals include naturally allergen-free foods like cheese (if dairy is safe), chicken, brown rice, beans, and chickpeas. These foods offer nutritional benefits without the risks posed by common allergens and can be included in various dishes to ensure a balanced diet.

The most important micronutrients for adolescents are calcium, iron, and vitamins D and A. Vitamin A supports the rapid growth and development that occur during the teenage years, and adequate calcium and vitamin D support healthy bone growth and can help prevent osteoporosis late in life. Iron helps with the development of lean muscle mass, and adolescent girls' iron needs increase when they begin menstruating.

Adolescents most often have deficiencies in iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin D, which can cause a variety of challenges. A calcium or vitamin D deficiency can affect the development of bones and teeth. Not enough vitamin D can also affect the immune system response and increase the risk of depression. A zinc deficiency also leads to lower immunity, and an iron deficiency can lead to anemia.

Most micronutrient needs can be met by consuming a healthy, balanced diet. Foods high in micronutrients include low-fat dairy products, which provide calcium; broccoli and dark leafy greens, rich in vitamins A, C, and K; bananas, a good source of potassium; and nuts, which offer healthy fats and magnesium.

Additionally, fish is important for omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D; whole grains contribute B vitamins and fiber, oranges supply vitamin C, and seeds are packed with essential oils and minerals. It's generally better to obtain these micronutrients directly from food rather than through supplements, as natural food sources offer additional health benefits. Supplements should only be used when necessary and ideally under medical advice.

Diet not only plays a vital role in childhood obesity, but it can also help prevent obesity later in life. To help children and teens develop healthy eating habits, model health eating at home. Give them nutritious food options, like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Choose lean meats, and encourage low-fat milk and dairy options. Avoid sugary drinks, and encourage children to drink water instead. Teach them the importance of limiting saturated fats, added sugar, and fried foods.

Regular physical activity has many health benefits, including reducing blood pressure, strengthening bones and muscles, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes, and helping to regulate body weight and reduce body fat. Exercise also has mental health effects. It can improve memory and attention and reduce the risk of depression. Young children and adolescents should be active for at least an hour every day. Running and jumping can increase bone strength, and climbing can help build muscle.

To encourage healthy habits in your children, set a good example. Model healthy eating at home and encourage children to make healthy food choices. For example, you can review school lunch menus with your kids to help them determine which foods are healthy and encourage them to try new things. To promote physical activity, take family walks or hikes or play active games together. Encourage kids to go outside and ride bikes or play tag instead of watching videos or playing computer games, and take them to places where they can be active, like the park or the beach.

Some of the children and teens need for healthy development include:

• Iron for motor and cognitive development
• Vitamin A for immune function
• Vitamin D for strong bones
• Iodine for infant growth and development
• Folate for fetal development
• Zinc for immune function

Daily requirements for teens and children are as follows:

Calories:

• Ages 2 to 3: 80 kcal/kg/day
• Ages 4 to 5: 70 kcal/kg/day
• Ages 6 to 8: 60 to 65 kcal/kg/day
• Ages 9+: 35 to 45 kcal/kg/day

Of these calories, 50 to 55% should come from carbohydrates, 20% from protein, and 25% to 30% from fats, with no more than 10% coming from saturated fats.

Micronutrient requirements vary by age.

Nutritional deficiencies can have many effects on children and teens. Micronutrient deficiencies are linked with about 10% of deaths in children. How they affect the child depends on the nutrient.

For example, low vitamin B6 can contribute to Chron's disease, seizures, and depression, while low vitamin C causes scurvy, bleeding gums, and impaired wound healing. The effects of overconsumption depend on the nutrient, too. For example, excess iron can cause fluid in the lungs, liver damage, and coma, while excess calcium can lead to bone pain, fatigue, and confusion.

A diet high in fiber has many benefits, including promoting regular bowel movements, lowering cholesterol, increasing feelings of fullness, and preventing or lowering the risk of some diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer. Good sources of fiber include brown rice, whole-grain bread, oatmeal, beans, vegetables, and fruits.

Healthy fats are essential for growth and development. They support brain health and help the body absorb some vitamins and synthesize hormones. Children and adolescents should eat mostly unsaturated, healthy fats found in foods like avocados, nuts, olives, salmon, flax seeds, and walnuts. Limit saturated fats found in animal products, like cheese, red meat, and butter, and avoid trans fats found in baked goods and processed and fried foods.

Children develop dietary patterns that they can carry into adulthood, and many consume more sodium than is recommended. About one in six children have high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for stroke and heart disease later in life. How much sodium a child should have a day depends on their age. Children between 1 and 3 should have less than 1200 mg, while teens ages 14 to 18 should have less than 2300 mg. Note that about 77% of the salt consumed in the American diet comes from processed and prepared foods.

There are two forms of carbohydrates: simple carbs and complex carbs. The body breaks all carbohydrates down into sugars, which are absorbed in the bloodstream. As the blood sugar rises, the pancreas releases insulin to move the sugar from the blood into the cells to be used as energy.

• Simple carbs break down quickly, causing the blood sugar to spike, which can increase the risk of diabetes and other health issues.
• Complex carbs break down more slowly, so the blood sugar rises gradually.

Good carbohydrate options include whole-grain breads and cereals, brown rice, and vegetables.

Research shows that higher intake of antioxidant-rich food is associated with a lower risk of developing oxidating stress-related diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Foods rich in antioxidants include berries, beans, apples, and dark leafy greens. Some spices and herbs, like cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, ginger, paprika, and garlic, also contain antioxidants and can be used to improve the flavor of many dishes.

Meal timing and frequency can help children and teens stay healthy. Research suggests that consuming food later in the day can increase the risk of high BMI in children and adolescents, especially in those who are less active. Parents should encourage children and teens to eat breakfast to avoid overconsumption of calories later in the day.