19.2: Energy

Children’s energy needs vary, depending on their growth and level of physical activity. Energy requirements also vary according to gender. Girls ages four to eight require 1,200 to 1,800 calories a day, while boys need 1,200 to 2,000 calories daily, and, depending on their activity level, maybe more. Also, recommended intakes of macronutrients and most micronutrients are higher relative to body size than nutrient needs during adulthood. Therefore, children should be provided nutrient-dense food at meal- and snack time. However, it is important not to overfeed children, leading to childhood obesity, discussed in the next section.

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