Pediatric Nutrition in Practice

Energy Requirements of Infants, Children and Adolescents 39

1

During adolescence, sex differences in body
size and composition are accentuated [11]. The
energy cost of growth was based on mean rates of
weight gain calculated from the WHO weight-
for-age standards [1 2]. The composition of weight
gained was assumed to be 10% fat with an energy
content of 38.7 kJ/g (9.25 kcal/g), 20% protein
with an energy content of 23.6 kJ/g (5.65 kcal/g),
or equivalent to 8.6 kJ/g (2.1 kcal/g). The energy
requirements of boys and girls aged 0–18 years
are summarized in tables 4 and 5 and figures 3
and 4.

Recommendations for Physical Activity

A minimum of 60 min/day of moderate-intensity

physical activity is recommended for children

and adolescents [1] , although there is no direct

experimental or epidemiological evidence on the

minimal or optimal frequency, duration or inten-

sity of exercise that promotes health and well-

being of children and adolescents [13]. Regular

physical activity is often associated with decreased

body fat in both sexes and, sometimes, increased

fat-free mass at least in males. Physical activity is

0

100

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300

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500

600

0

50

100

150

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Energy requirements (kJ/kg/day) Energy requirements (kcal/kg/day)

Age (years)

Light

Moderate

Heavy

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

0

50

100

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Energy requirements (kJ/kg/day) Energy requirements (kcal/kg/day)

Age (years)

Light

Moderate

Fig. 4. 2004 FAO/WHO/UNU energy Heavy
requirement of girls 1–18 years of
age at 3 levels of habitual physical
activity.

Fig. 3. 2004 FAO/WHO/UNU energy
requirements of boys 1–18 years of
age at 3 levels of habitual physical
activity.

Koletzko B, et al. (eds): Pediatric Nutrition in Practice. World Rev Nutr Diet. Basel, Karger, 2015, vol 113, pp 34–40
DOI: 10.1159/000360315