Nutritional strategies for pediatric athletes: supporting healthy growth, development, and sports performance

The growing participation of children and adolescents in organized sports has increased the importance of adequate nutritional support during periods of growth and development. Unlike adults, young athletes face the dual challenge of meeting the energy demands of physical training while also supporting normal physiological growth processes. When nutritional intake is insufficient, there is an increased risk of low energy availability, which may negatively affect growth, bone development, pubertal maturation, and athletic performance.
This narrative review examines the nutritional requirements of pediatric athletes, with particular attention to energy availability, macronutrient distribution, micronutrient intake, and hydration strategies. A literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases, focusing on studies published between 2010 and 2026. The selected evidence highlights the importance of adequate carbohydrate, protein, and fat consumption, as well as sufficient intake of calcium, vitamin D, and iron to support growth and athletic participation.
The findings also demonstrate that children present unique physiological characteristics that influence hydration status and thermoregulation during exercise. Therefore, nutritional recommendations for pediatric athletes should be tailored to their developmental stage rather than simply adapted from adult sports nutrition guidelines. The implementation of multidisciplinary educational programs involving healthcare professionals, coaches, and families may contribute to healthier sports participation and support long-term athletic development.