Update on Pediatric Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 May 2025 | Viewed by 1586

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Mother and Child Medicine, Discipline of Pediatrics, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
Interests: nutritional diseases; inborn errors of metabolism (IEM); clinic nutrition; cystic fibrosis
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Guest Editor
Department of Morpho-functional sciences, Discipline Pathophysiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
Interests: obesity; endocrine disorders; eating behavior
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adequate nutrition is necessary for the optimal functioning of human bodies. Nutritional diseases affect not only mortality and morbidity, but also physical growth, intellectual development, school performance of children, and all aspects of human and social development. Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are generally rare, but involve complex and challenging conditions that pose difficulties due to their diverse clinical presentations.

We invite colleagues involved in the management of children  with nutritional diseases and IEMs to present their experience regarding clinical insights, diagnostic challenges, therapeutic interventions and adherence, the relationship with the gut microbiome, vitamin and mineral deficiencies in different nutritional diseases, growth problems, multidisciplinary strategies and cutting-edge research that advance our understanding of these complex disorders, psychological problems in children and their families and  national health programs for IEMs. This Special Issue aims to catalyze improvements in accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans for affected children and welcomes submissions of original research papers, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, case studies, and expert opinions.

Dr. Dana-Teodora Anton-Păduraru
Prof. Dr. Veronica Mocanu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • obesity
  • malnutrition
  • diabetes
  • rickets
  • vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  • inborn errors of metabolism
  • eating disorders
  • malabsorption syndrome

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 581 KiB  
Article
The Factors Influencing Feeding Practices of Primary Caregivers of Preschoolers: A Theory-Based Cross-Sectional Study
by Qutaibah Oudat, Rebecca C. Lee, Elaine L. Miller, Sarah Collins Couch and Tamilyn Bakas
Children 2025, 12(2), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020226 - 13 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Primary caregivers play a pivotal role in shaping children’s dietary behaviors, which are critical in preventing childhood obesity. This study aimed to examine the extent to which demographic characteristics and caregiver factors, including dietary beliefs and intentions to provide a healthy diet, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Primary caregivers play a pivotal role in shaping children’s dietary behaviors, which are critical in preventing childhood obesity. This study aimed to examine the extent to which demographic characteristics and caregiver factors, including dietary beliefs and intentions to provide a healthy diet, influence feeding practices among primary caregivers of preschool-aged children. Methods: This study included a cross-sectional dataset comprising data collected from 146 primary caregivers of preschool-aged children (3–5 years). Participants were recruited using snowball and convenience sampling from Facebook and community settings in Cincinnati, Ohio. Feeding practices were assessed using the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ), while caregiver demographic characteristics, dietary beliefs, and intentions were measured through self-administered surveys. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was employed to identify predictors of feeding practices. Results: The findings reveal that primary caregivers’ feeding practices were shaped by multiple factors, including dietary beliefs (behavioral, normative, and control), intentions, and demographic characteristics. Each subscale of feeding practices was predicted by different factors, highlighting the unique influence of these factors on feeding behaviors. Conclusions: This study underscores the complex interplay between caregiver cognitive (dietary beliefs and intentions) and demographic factors in shaping feeding practices. The findings highlight the importance of targeting caregiver beliefs and intentions in interventions aimed at promoting healthier feeding practices, contributing to the prevention of childhood obesity. Importantly, future research is needed to explore these factors in more diverse populations and validate cognitive measures for broader application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Pediatric Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders)
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Review

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29 pages, 2915 KiB  
Review
Unraveling Metabolic Syndrome in Youth: The Obesity Epidemic’s Hidden Complication
by Dana-Teodora Anton-Păduraru, Dana Elena Mindru, Raluca Stefania Stănescu, Felicia Trofin, Claudiu Cobuz, Maricela Cobuz, Lucia Maria Sur, Antoneta Petroaie, Ana Maria Slănină, Mihaela Manole, Ana Simona Bocec and Adriana Cosmescu
Children 2025, 12(4), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12040482 - 8 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: One of the metabolic complications of obesity is known as Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). This narrative review aims to synthesize current research on MetS in young populations, identify knowledge gaps, and guide future studies and funding priorities. It provides evidence-based insights into screening, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: One of the metabolic complications of obesity is known as Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). This narrative review aims to synthesize current research on MetS in young populations, identify knowledge gaps, and guide future studies and funding priorities. It provides evidence-based insights into screening, diagnosis, and treatment, offering practical guidance for healthcare professionals. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on obesity in MetS in PubMed and Google Academic electronic database. The search was performed using a combination of “obesity”, “complications”, “metabolic syndrome”, “children”, and “adolescents” keywords. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevance and methodological rigor. Results: The lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria for MetS in children has led to inconsistencies in its definition across medical literature. Irrespective of the chosen diagnostic approach, the prevalence of MetS in children and adolescents has exhibited a concurrent rise with the increasing rates of obesity in this age group. The pathophysiology of MetS remains incompletely understood, with ongoing discussions on the interplay of genetic, epigenetic, environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors. Screening for MetS is recommended for overweight and obese children. Conclusions: Establishing global, consensus-driven criteria that account for ethnicity, gender, and age would enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches. The prevention of excessive weight among children and adolescents stands as a paramount objective within modern society’s healthcare system. Considering the complexity of the disease and the treatment, the team must be multidisciplinary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Pediatric Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders)
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