Pediatric and adolescent nutritional and metabolic assessment in the precision era
Jose Manuel Jurado-Castro, Belen Pastor-Villaescusa, Francisco Jesus Llorente-Cantarero, Mercedes Gil-CamposPurpose of review
To summarize recent methodological and technological advances in assessing nutritional and metabolic status among pediatric and adolescent populations, with emphasis on their translational value within precision and personalized nutrition. This review highlights how integrative, multi-omics, and digital approaches may complement the evaluation of body composition, dietary intake, metabolic profiling, and behavioral monitoring in youth.
Recent findings
Recent findings suggest that combining compositional imaging (DXA, 3D optical, ultrasound) with bioelectrical and omic biomarkers may improve multidimensional nutritional profiling. Digital dietary assessment, biosensors, and continuous glucose monitoring may enhance real-time dietary and metabolic characterization in selected research or clinical contexts. Moreover, machine-learning models and multi-omic integration show promise individualized risk prediction and adaptive feedback, although their clinical utility requires further validation. However, standardization of protocols and pediatric reference datasets remains a key challenge.
Summary
Nutritional and metabolic assessment in children and adolescents is progressively moving toward integrative frameworks that combine imaging, omics, and digital monitoring. These approaches may support more individualized and developmentally sensitive evaluations, but harmonization of protocols, ethical governance, accessibility, and pediatric reference datasets remain essential before broad clinical implementation.