Ensuring the safety and adequacy of children’s nutrition is considered one of the strategic national priorities of the Russian Federation. Harmonious growth and development require the timely intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in accordance with age-related physiological needs. A deficiency of both macro- and micronutrients can have adverse effects on children’s health.

According to research, the diet of the Russian population is not balanced in its major components. Up to 90% of children experience a lack of protein and vitamins, with overall vitamin sufficiency estimated at no more than 20–40%. According to national data, eating disorders are reported in 69% of adolescents [1].

In today’s world, childhood nutrition is closely associated with rapid urbanization and the effects of globalization on food systems. These processes contribute to the proliferation of products with high energy density but low nutritional value. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many children do not receive enough essential foods, while others consume foods that are unsuitable for their age and health [2].

In Russia, the concept and national principles of healthy nutrition are enshrined in the revised Federal Law No. 29-FZ “On the Quality and Safety of Food Products” [3]. Special attention to healthy nutrition is also given within the National Project “Demography” which aims to motivate citizens toward a healthy lifestyle, particularly through the elimination of micronutrient deficiencies and the reduction of salt and sugar intake [4].

The program “Decade of Childhood”, established by Presidential Decree No. 240 of May 29, 2017, outlines the key directions of state policy for child protection. Its priorities include the development of high-quality products for children, including food, which are essential for growth and the preservation of health [5]. The program is implemented by the Government of the Russian Federation with the involvement of 26 ministries and all regions of the country.

Considering the above, we conducted a retrospective analysis of publication activity on the platform elibrary.ru covering the period 2020–2024. The search was carried out using relevant keywords. The results are presented in the table below.

Table

Publication activity analysis using selected keywords (2020–2024)

It should be noted that the problem of child and adolescent nutrition has remained acute over the past five years. Most publications are related to the effects of micronutrients on the development of organs and systems, and to their role in maintaining the body’s integrative functioning.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “unbalanced (irrational) nutrition” as an insufficient, excessive, or disproportionate intake of calories and/or nutrients. Nutrient deficiencies in diet may lead to impaired immunity, delayed growth, weight loss, and inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals.

Many Russian researchers believe that the main causes of improper nutrition in children include a lack of protein in the diet, low consumption of vitamins and trace elements, excessive intake of sugar and fats, as well as insufficient consumption of whole-grain products, fresh vegetables, and fruits [6–8,10].

It has been established that in a balanced diet, proteins should account for 10–15% of total energy intake, fats for about 30%, and carbohydrates for 55–60%. Importantly, saturated fats should not exceed 10% of total fat intake, while trans fatty acids should remain below 1%. In terms of fat consumption, saturated fatty acids and trans fats should be replaced with unsaturated fats. Free sugars should constitute no more than 10% of daily caloric intake. When these nutritional proportions are met, plant-based products should account for at least 75% of the diet, while animal-based products should not exceed 25% [6].

Unbalanced nutrition in children has been proven to be one of the contributing factors in the development and progression of non-communicable diseases. These include musculoskeletal disorders (such as postural abnormalities, chest deformities, flat feet, and muscle hypotonia), as well as connective tissue pathologies that are manifested in many morphological structures of the body. Connective tissue dysplasia, for example, leads to functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system, vision, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and is also associated with impaired cognitive functions. Cognitive impairment negatively affects intellectual potential, academic performance, educational attainment, social and psychological adaptation, the development of professional skills, and the overall quality of life of a child.

Protein–energy malnutrition is defined as a mismatch between the body’s need for essential nutrients and their actual intake. This imbalance leads to energy, protein, and micronutrient deficiencies, which in turn negatively affect the development and functioning of a child’s organs and systems.

As protein–energy malnutrition progresses, when glycogen and fat stores are completely depleted, the body begins to use structural proteins to sustain life. This results in organ atrophy and further functional decline. Blood accumulates protein catabolism products (urea, creatinine), serum protein levels significantly decrease, and a negative nitrogen balance is recorded. Additionally, water and salt losses occur, causing hypothermia and disruption of cellular function [7].

Dietary proteins from natural sources have amino acid sequences that differ from those of human proteins, and their utilization requires activation of transamination processes. Amino acids play an essential role in the body by participating in the synthesis of proteins and glycoproteins that form part of neuronal membranes. Moreover, proteins are involved in the formation of ion channels that ensure neuronal conductivity and excitability, as well as in the development of integral proteins that constitute membrane receptor complexes. Neuronal membranes and glycoproteins of the blood–brain barrier are renewed every 2–5 days. Therefore, the human body—especially in childhood—requires a constant supply of easily digestible protein.

Protein is also a fundamental and irreplaceable component in the uptake of glucose by the brain. Glucose crosses the blood–brain barrier primarily via active transport through  specialized protein channels formed in early childhood. Passive diffusion accounts for only a minor fraction (about 5%) of this process [8].

In recent years, the importance of micronutrients in supporting normal growth and development has become increasingly evident. The term “micronutrient malnutrition” or “micronutrient deficiency-related undernutrition” has been introduced [9].

Recent basic and clinical studies have demonstrated associations between vitamin D deficiency, impaired cognitive function and memory in children and adolescents, as well as alexithymia—a condition characterized by difficulty in identifying and describing one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. In children with vitamin D deficiency, neurological problems are more frequently observed, including headaches, elevated blood pressure, fainting, speech and memory difficulties, epilepsy, and recurrent demyelinating disorders [8].

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews contains a wide range of systematic reviews underscoring the significance of various micronutrients for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. Among them are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, chromium, fluoride, iodine, iron, and selenium [8].

Calcium is a fundamental component of bone tissue, ensuring skeletal strength, and it also participates in nerve excitation, muscle contraction, hematopoiesis, hormone secretion, and the maintenance of acid–base balance. Adequate intake and efficient absorption of calcium are crucial factors for normal child growth; however, the bioavailability of calcium through the gastrointestinal tract is only 20–40% [10,11].

For optimal bone metabolism, protein intake must reach 1–1.5 g per kilogram of body weight. When protein intake decreases to 0.6–0.8 g/kg, calcium absorption is reduced, potentially leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism. Epidemiological studies indicate that 10–30% of preschool- and school-aged children considered healthy exhibit reduced bone mineral density [10].

Thus, rational nutrition, characterized by the adequate quantitative and qualitative intake of both macronutrients and micronutrients, plays a fundamental role in the formation of the child and adolescent organism. The problem of providing a balanced, diverse, and adequate diet at every stage of growth and development remains highly relevant. This issue is a priority not only in developing countries but also in developed nations, having acquired a truly global scale. Malnutrition in childhood is associated with pathological changes that may persist throughout life, ultimately leading to a decline in quality of life both in childhood and adulthood.