The results of the NNS show that calcium intake needs to be higher to meet the needs of skeletal growth. Iron intake in girls also needs to be increased. To meet nutrient requirements, children need regular meals and snacks. Snacks provide a half to a third of the energy intake for most children. Snacking has been shown to improve attention, recall, even arithmetic problem solving, in some studies.
Athletic children have high energy and carbohydrate requirements.
Meeting these needs is also important for enhancing sports performance. Effective rehydration is also a key strategy for safe and optimal performance. Children rarely drink enough to replenish fluid losses and need to learn to consume more than thirst dictates. While water is often described as the best choice of fluid, there are situations when sports drinks are advantageous. Prior to puberty, a variety of activities or sports should be encouraged.