This special issue of Hormone Research in Paediatrics deals with a variety of issues related to the interactions between nutrition and growth. A child's growth is determined by genetic composition and is influenced significantly by quantity and quality of their nutrition. Stunted growth secondary to malnutrition affects millions of children around the world and has an effect not only on adult height but also on health, cognitive development, and quality of life. Millions more suffer from undernutrition that may reduce the ability to achieve full genetic potential. New insights into the role of genetics in determining children's growth and the physiology of normal growth are discussed. Further topics include how much nutrition for how much growth and the role of protein and other specific food components. The use of biomarkers and the affects of conditions like food allergy and obesity are also reviewed.