Nutritional Needs of Adolescents

Growth and Development in Adolescence
Adolescence is a significant period for physical growth and sexual maturation. Nutrition being an important determinant of physical growth of adolescents is an important area that needs attention. Growth retardation is one of the most important health concerns for adolescents and their parents as well as health care workers.

Inadequate nutritional intake during adolescence can have serious consequences throughout the reproductive years and beyond. Poor nutrition during adolescence can impair the work capacity and productivity of adolescent boys and girls in their later years. Further, an undernourished girl is at the risk of developing complications during pregnancy and the chances of her giving birth to a low birth weight baby increases, thus perpetuating a vicious cycle of malnutrition and ill-health.

Major components of food
Major components of food include protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins which perform different functions.

Function of various food components

Proteins are of greatest importance in nutrition. Proteins are required for bodybuilding and help in repair and maintenance of body tissues.
Fats are high-energy foods and a source of energy. They also make the food more palatable and provide fat-soluble vitamins.
Carbohydrates form the major component of most diets and are the main source of energy.
Vitamins and minerals are required in small quantities. They do not yield energy but enable the body to use other nutrients and also play in important role in growth, repair and regulation of vital body functions.
Requirements for iron and calcium are particularly increased in adolescence, due to rapid physical growth during adolescence.
Calcium needs during adolescence are greater than they are in either childhood or adulthood because of rapid increase in lean body mass and skeletal growth
Zinc is especially important in adolescence because of its role in growth and sexual maturation. Some sources of zinc are grains, nuts, meat, cheese and milk.
Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is one that provides all nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals) in required amounts and proportions for maintaining health and general well being and also makes a small provision for extra nutrients to withstand short duration of leanness. It can be achieved through a blend of four basic food groups, i.e. carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. As these are present in different types of food items like dals, chapati or rice, green vegetables, easily available fruits and milk it is important to eat these food items in the right mix everyday.