Nutrients, Vol. 17, Pages 2221: The Biological Value of Proteins for Pediatric Growth and Development: A Narrative Review
Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu17132221
Authors:
Marlene Fabiola Escobedo-Monge
Joaquín Parodi-Román
María Antonieta Escobedo-Monge
José Manuel Marugán-Miguelsanz
In personalized nutrition, dietary guidelines must be adapted to the physiological and developmental needs of individuals across the lifespan, especially during childhood and adolescence. These should account for nutritional status, health conditions, and early-life risk factors, including those that emerge during pregnancy. This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence (2020–2025) on the biological value of protein sources in supporting pediatric growth and development. While adequate protein intake is essential for physical and cognitive development in individuals under nineteen, excessive intake may accelerate growth and increase the long-term risks of overweight and obesity. Compared to animal-based proteins (ABPs), plant-based proteins (PBPs) carry a higher risk of nutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations due to lower digestibility and incomplete amino acid profiles. Although plant-based diets are encouraged for environmental reasons—particularly to reduce the ecological impact of livestock—protein intake must remain appropriate for age, sex, health status, and context. Nutritional strategies must ensure an adequate supply of essential amino acids and proper micronutrient supplementation, regardless of whether children follow diets rich in ABPs, PBPs, or a combination of both. Attention to these factors is vital to balancing nutritional adequacy with long-term health and sustainability goals.
In personalized nutrition, dietary guidelines must be adapted to the physiological and developmental needs of individuals across the lifespan, especially during childhood and adolescence. These should account for nutritional status, health conditions, and early-life risk factors, including those that emerge during pregnancy. This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence (2020–2025) on the biological value of protein sources in supporting pediatric growth and development. While adequate protein intake is essential for physical and cognitive development in individuals under nineteen, excessive intake may accelerate growth and increase the long-term risks of overweight and obesity. Compared to animal-based proteins (ABPs), plant-based proteins (PBPs) carry a higher risk of nutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations due to lower digestibility and incomplete amino acid profiles. Although plant-based diets are encouraged for environmental reasons—particularly to reduce the ecological impact of livestock—protein intake must remain appropriate for age, sex, health status, and context. Nutritional strategies must ensure an adequate supply of essential amino acids and proper micronutrient supplementation, regardless of whether children follow diets rich in ABPs, PBPs, or a combination of both. Attention to these factors is vital to balancing nutritional adequacy with long-term health and sustainability goals. Read More