Child and Teen Calorie Calculator (EER Method)
Pediatric energy calculator compliant with IOM/DRI guidelines. Estimates calorie needs for growth and development in children aged 2-18, including buffers for activity and growth spurts.
Includes Energy Deposition Buffer for Growth
About
Nutritional requirements for children and adolescents differ fundamentally from adults. While adult calculations focus on weight maintenance or loss, pediatric logic must prioritize Energy Deposition - the additional calories required to build new bone and soft tissue. This tool utilizes the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Dietary Reference Intakes equations to calculate the Estimated Energy Requirement (EER). It incorporates specific coefficients for age, gender, and Physical Activity Level (PAL), ensuring that the result supports optimal growth velocities according to CDC reference charts.
Formulas
For boys aged 3-18, the EER formula is:
For girls aged 3-18:
Where A=Age, W=Weight(kg), H=Height(m), and PA is the Physical Activity coefficient.
Reference Data
| Activity Level | Description (Pediatric Context) | PAL Value (Boys/Girls) |
|---|---|---|
| Sedentary | Typical daily living, no sports | 1.0 / 1.0 |
| Low Active | 30-60 min/day moderate activity | 1.13 / 1.16 |
| Active | 60 min/day moderate + vigorous | 1.26 / 1.31 |
| Very Active | 120+ min/day moderate + vigorous | 1.42 / 1.56 |