1 Department of Public health, North Dakota State University, Dakota.
2 Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
3 Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 21(03), 657-666
Received on 28 January 2024; revised on 03 March 2024; accepted on 06 March 2024
Introduction: Protein plays a crucial role in the growth and development of children, impacting various physiological functions and long-term health outcomes. Understanding the optimal protein intake during the dynamic stages of childhood is essential due to its significant implications for metabolic and hormonal pathways, as well as its association with childhood obesity and malnutrition.
Review Methods: The review involved a systematic examination of existing literature, focusing on studies that explored the relationship between protein intake and children's growth, development, and health outcomes. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using specific keywords, with the selection criteria emphasizing peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and observational studies in English, excluding non-human studies.
Results: The analysis indicates that protein intake has a pivotal influence on children's growth patterns, body composition, and metabolic health. Findings suggest that both excessive and insufficient protein consumption can have adverse effects, highlighting the importance of balanced protein intake. The review also points out the critical impact of maternal dietary quality on infant growth and underscores the significance of protein source and quantity during complementary feeding in determining health outcomes.
Conclusions: Optimal protein intake is vital for supporting children's growth and long-term health, necessitating tailored dietary strategies that accommodate the changing needs of growing children. Healthcare professionals and caregivers must be informed about the nuanced effects of protein to maintain normal growth and development while mitigating risks like obesity. Future dietary guidelines should consider these findings to ensure balanced nutrition for children at various developmental stages.
Protein intake; Childhood growth; Body composition; Puberty; Childhood obesity; Malnutrition
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Nada Soliman, Ashraf Soliman, Fawzia Alyafei, Sohair ElSiddig, Nada Alaaraj, Noor Hamed, Shayma Ahmed and Maya Itani. The varied effects of protein intake during infancy, childhood, and adolescence: Associations with growth metrics, body composition, and pubertal development timelines. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 21(3), 657-666. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.21.3.0769