Abstract: Phytonutrients are naturally occurring bioactive compounds in plants，primarily including polyphenols，terpenoids，flavonoids，carotenoids，phytosterols，and phytoestrogens. Through antioxidant，anti-inflammatory，and immunomodulatory mechanisms，they contribute to health promotion and disease prevention and treatment. The impact of these phytonutrients may differ between children in the growth and development stage and middle-aged or elderly populations experiencing gradual aging and functional decline. In adults，phytonutrients are primarily used in areas such as cardiovascular diseases，cancer，diabetes，neuroprotection，and anti-aging. In contrast，children are in a phase of rapid growth，and their metabolic and immune systems are not yet fully mature. Therefore，the emphasis in children lies more heavily on health promotion，while also addressing disease prevention and management. Phytonutrients profoundly influence child health by modulating immune function，neurodevelopment，and metabolic processes. Phytonutrients can be a “double-edged sword ”：appropriate use can promote health and aid in preventing and treating diseases，whereas improper application may pose health risks.

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摘要： 植物营养素是植物中天然存在的生物活性化合物，主要包括多酚类、萜类、黄酮类、类胡萝卜素、植物甾醇、植物雌激素等，通过抗氧化、抗炎、免疫调节等机制，促进健康，防治疾病。植物营养素对生长发育阶段的儿童与逐渐衰老和功能退化的中老年人群可能存在差异。在成人，植物营养素主要应用于心血管疾病、癌症、糖尿病及神经保护与抗衰老等领域；而儿童处于快速生长阶段，代谢和免疫系统尚未完全成熟，更强调健康促进，同时兼顾疾病防治。植物营养素通过调节免疫功能、神经发育和代谢过程，对儿童健康具有深远影响。植物营养素可能是一把“双刃剑”，合理利用可促进健康和防病治病，应用不当则可能危害健康。

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