Thesis from 2009 in the field of Sports - Sports Medicine, Therapy, Prevention, Nutrition, Grade: 1.7, University of Koblenz-Landau, Language: German. Abstract: Optimal growth and development are among the most important goals and principles in childhood. For both processes to unfold as best as possible, they must be linked to a positive energy and nitrogen balance. Therefore, it is extremely important that the nutritional needs resulting from sports and normal growth are adequately met through diet in children and adolescents engaged in competitive sports. However, it is very challenging to make universally applicable dietary recommendations in this area, as they constantly change with increasing height and pubertal maturation, affecting physical performance and the associated nutrient requirements.