Healthy Nutrition for Children and Adolescents: Risks and Health Consequences

Dear Colleagues,

Modern challenges in the nutrition of young people, such as being overweight, obesity, malnutrition, or unhealthy eating habits, represent a significant public health issue with long-term consequences that can impact the quality of life and development of future generations. These challenges also include disorders such as food neophobia and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), which are increasingly diagnosed among children and adolescents, further complicating the nutritional situation in this age group.

This Special Issue aims to understand and address modern challenges in the nutrition of children and adolescents, such as being overweight, obesity, malnutrition, unhealthy eating habits, as well as disorders like food neophobia and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). The consequences of these issues extend beyond physical health, affecting the quality of life, social development, and educational potential of young individuals, while also increasing the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. The key task is to implement comprehensive measures that include nutrition education, the promotion of healthy consumer choices, and close collaboration between parents, schools, and public institutions. This approach aims to improve the health of younger generations, minimize negative health and social consequences, and support the development of lasting health-promoting habits.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• The importance of proper nutrition in the physical and mental development of children and adolescents.
• Risks associated with an unhealthy diet, including obesity, nutrient deficiencies, and eating disorders.
• Food neophobia and ARFID – causes, diagnosis, health, and social consequences.
• The role of functional foods and bioactive components in the diets of young people.
• Prevention of diet-related diseases among children and adolescents.
• Nutrition education as key to health prevention.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Oskar Kowalski
Dr. Agnieszka Białek-Dratwa
Guest Editors

Dr. Agata Kiciak
Guest Editor Assistant

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