Top 5 nutrition articles of 2025

Welcome to another edition of Countdown to 2026, and thank you for visiting the Contemporary Pediatrics website throughout 2025. Below, take a look at the top nutrition stories published this year, and catch up on anything you may have missed.

1. Addressing early-onset colorectal cancer in pediatric practice: Prevention starts now

Rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer have prompted growing concern about the role of childhood and adolescent dietary patterns in long-term colon cancer risk. Evidence summarized in this article highlights associations between early-onset colorectal cancer and factors such as pediatric obesity, high intake of ultraprocessed foods, red meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages, alongside persistently low fiber consumption in U.S. children. Fiber intake remains well below recommended levels across age groups, despite evidence that diets rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk through effects on gut motility, inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome. The authors emphasize that pediatricians, although not involved in cancer screening, play an important role in early prevention by counseling families on diet quality, increasing fiber-rich foods, and supporting sustainable nutrition habits that may reduce colorectal cancer risk later in life.

2. FDA announces measures to phase out petroleum-based food dyes

The US Food and Drug Administration and the US Department of Health and Human Services announced a series of actions aimed at phasing out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the US food supply. The initiative includes establishing a national transition timeline to natural color alternatives, revoking authorization for certain synthetic dyes, accelerating the removal of others, approving new natural color additives, and expanding research on the health effects of food additives in children through collaboration with the National Institutes of Health. Federal officials stated that the measures are intended to reduce potential risks associated with synthetic food dyes, particularly in children, while improving transparency and aligning US food standards more closely with those in other countries.

3. USPSTF issues new recommendation for breastfeeding support interventions

The US Preventive Services Task Force reaffirmed its recommendation that primary care clinicians provide interventions and support to promote breastfeeding during pregnancy and after birth, based on a systematic review of evidence. The review analyzed 90 randomized clinical trials involving more than 49,000 women and found that breastfeeding support interventions increased the likelihood of any and exclusive breastfeeding through six months postpartum, although effects on breastfeeding initiation were not observed. Evidence of harm was limited, with most studies reporting no adverse events. The Task Force noted that effective interventions varied in format and delivery and emphasized the importance of tailoring support to address disparities in breastfeeding rates and meet the needs of diverse populations.

4. Sports nutrition 101: What young athletes should eat and drink

Guidance on sports nutrition for pediatric athletes emphasizes structured fueling and hydration strategies before, during, and after physical activity to support performance, safety, and recovery. Adequate carbohydrate intake in the day leading up to competition and in the hours before play is highlighted as essential for energy availability, along with regular fluid intake throughout the day to maintain hydration. For prolonged activity, mid-event carbohydrate and fluid replacement may help sustain performance, while postactivity nutrition should focus on replenishing glycogen, repairing muscle, and restoring fluids. The article also addresses questions about supplements, noting that foundational nutrition and hydration should be prioritized and that creatine use, if considered, requires careful supervision and adherence to recommended dosing. Overall, the guidance underscores the role of practical, age-appropriate nutrition counseling in supporting young athletes’ health and performance.

5. Palforzia launches in US for toddlers with peanut allergy

Stallergenes Greer announced the US launch of Palforzia for children aged 1 through 3 years with a confirmed peanut allergy, following the FDA’s expanded approval of the oral immunotherapy in this age group. Palforzia is indicated to mitigate allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, after accidental peanut exposure and is used alongside a peanut-avoidant diet. Evidence supporting use in toddlers includes phase 3 and randomized trial data showing high rates of desensitization and a subset of patients achieving remission, with younger age and lower baseline peanut-specific IgE associated with better outcomes. Safety findings in young children were consistent with prior studies, with most reactions reported as mild to moderate and no serious adverse events observed.