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Review
. 2025 Jul 7;17(7):e87431.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.87431. eCollection 2025 Jul.

Pediatric Nutrition and Its Role in Preventing Non-communicable Diseases: A Review

Aakansha Maria Rajeev  1 , Harshini Malisetty  2 , Omkar Prasad Baidya  3 , Krishna Vamshy J  4 , Shilpi Siddhanta  5   6 , Binthuja G Dharan  7
Affiliations
Review

Pediatric Nutrition and Its Role in Preventing Non-communicable Diseases: A Review

Aakansha Maria Rajeev et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Pediatric nutrition is crucial for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which increasingly impact children and adolescents worldwide. Nutritional interventions during early childhood, such as exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months and the introduction of nutrient-rich complementary foods thereafter, lay the foundation for lifelong prevention of chronic diseases. The growing global burden of NCDs, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, highlights the urgent need for effective public health strategies to promote healthy dietary habits and physical activity among young populations. This review explores the role of nutrition in preventing NCDs, examining key dietary guidelines and recommendations from global organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Additionally, it identifies barriers to the effective implementation of nutrition policies, including economic constraints, food insecurity, cultural beliefs, urbanization, and misinformation. The review further explores innovative research directions, including the potential of nutrigenomics, artificial intelligence (AI)-based dietary monitoring, and fortified foods. Integrating nutrition into primary healthcare systems and public health initiatives is essential to addressing the root causes of NCDs in children. In conclusion, addressing these challenges through personalized nutrition, technological interventions, and policy reforms will be key to preventing NCDs and promoting lifelong health in children.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; childhood obesity; complementary feeding; nutrigenomics; pediatric nutrition; public health policies; zinc deficiency.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. DASH Diet and Its Role in Reducing Hypertension
Image Credit: Aakansha Maria Rajeev DASH, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
Figure 2
Figure 2. Global Strategies and Policy Recommendations for Nutrition
Image Credit: Aakansha Maria Rajeev UNICEF, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund; FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization; WHO, World Health Organization; ICDS, Integrated Child Development Services; HFSS, High Fat, Salt, or Sugar
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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