The nutritional needs of the child and adolescent athlete are based on gender and stages of growth and development.
Tanner staging, or sexual maturity ratings, should guide the sports dietitian in planning appropriate nutrition education.
Sports dietitians should assess developmental learning styles. Include key recommendations for carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin/mineral intake, and hydration goals. Relative energy deficiency and/or the female athlete triad should be assessed in high-risk athletes. Vitamin D, calcium, and iron are nutrients of concern in a growing population.
Sports dietitians should exercise caution in recommending performance-enhancing supplements to children and adolescent athletes.