A varied and healthy eating plan is essential for children to obtain adequate energy and the necessary nutrients for physiological function, growth, and maturation and to fuel physical activity and exercise. When children optimize nutrition intake, including meeting recommendations for macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and fluids (water), they are poised for good health during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Chapter 1, Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), outlines the types of DRIs and details how to determine a child’s recommended caloric intake. Chapters 2 through 4, Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fats, apply the DRIs in discussion of macronutrients, and Chapters 5 through 7, Vitamins, Minerals, and Water and Hydration, apply the DRIs in discussion of micronutrients and water. For pediatric clinicians, this information serves as the foundation for applying nutritional assessment and guidance throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence and in addressing the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of chronic disease.