Energy requirements of infants, children and adolescents

Authors: BUTTE, NANCY - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2014
Publication Date: 2/1/2015
Citation: Butte, N.F. 2015. Energy requirements of infants, children and adolescents. In: Koletzko, B., editor. Nutrition Review of Nutrition and Dietetics - Pediatric Nutrition in Practice. Unionville, CT: S. Karger Publishers, Inc. 2nd Edition. 113:34-40. doi:10.1159/000360315.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Energy requirements of infants, children and adolescents are defined as the amount of energy needed to balance total energy expenditure (TEE) at a desirable level of physical activity, and to support optimal growth and development consistent with long-term health. The latest FAO/WHO/UNU recommendations for energy intake are based upon estimates of TEE and an allowance for growth. For infants, TEE is predicted from measurements of TEE by the stable isotope method, doubly labeled water (DLW). For children and adolescents, heart rate monitoring and the DLW method were used to predict TEE. The energy cost of growth was derived from average velocities and the composition of weight gain. Even though energy requirements also are presented for varying levels of physical activity, moderately active lifestyles are strongly encouraged for children and adolescents to maintain fitness and health and to reduce the risk of overnutrition.