Adolescent Nutritional Requirements: Myth vs. Reality

Abstract

In order to stay healthy, you need to eat a variety of nutritious food every day. Teenagers go through big physical changes in puberty. They need extra nutrition to cater to these changes. The level of physical activity and stage of development will determine exactly how much healthy food one needs. Nutrition is the study of food in relation to the health of an individual, community or society and the process through which food is used to sustain life and growth. Good nutrition means eating the right amount of healthy food and not skipping meals. Essential nutrients are compounds that the body cannot make or have in insufficient amounts. According to the World Health Organization, these nutrients must come in food and are vital for disease prevention and good health. These essential nutrients are calcium, iron, protein, zinc and micronutrients like vitamin D, vitamin E, potassium and fiber. Adolescents tend to eat more meals away from home. Eating the wrong types of food after long intervals and unhealthy eating can cause nutritional deficiency in adolescence. Adolescence needs extra nutrients for optimal physical growth, bone growth and strength, pubertal growth and development, hormonal changes, organ and tissue development, including the brain, increased physical activity levels and basal metabolic rate. Adolescence is a growing phase of life, and having a balanced food is very important. Adolescents should not skip their breakfast; they should drink plenty of water and limit highly processed food, sugary drinks and eating out. Healthy eating habits and physical activity help lower the risk of obesity during adolescence. Any nutritional deficiency experienced during this critical time of life can have an effect on the future health of the individual. All parents should pay attention to the nutritional needs of their teenagers. Adolescence, the period between childhood and adulthood, is a window of opportunity for improving nutritional status and correcting nutritional practices.