Question

Give 3 reasons why proper nutrition is especially important in adolescence

a)

b)

c)

Answer 1

a. During this period, rapid growth is seen physically, mentally and socially and because of this there demand for nutritional and energy needs also increases which can only be achieved with balance healthy nutrition.

b. Nutritional healthy food eaten will stimulate their metabolism and the healthy, nutritional food consumed now will decrease their chances of developing heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and other related diseases later in life. For this, high fat food must be avoided that can cause weight gain and other related diseases. Proper, healthy nutrition means approx 50-60% should comprise of carbohydrates, proteins requirements should be doubled as they are the building blocks of body (hep to stabilize harmone levels, build muscles, cartilage, skin, blood, play important role in tissue repair). Proper intake of vitamins and minerals help the body to make new tissues. Iron intake must be adequate that inturn increases hemoglobin, increases blood volume in body. Adequate Zinc intake is crucial for proper gene expression and sexual maturation. On an average, adolescent male requires about 2500-2800 calories/day whereas adolescent women requires about 2200 calories/day. In addition to this, active lifestyle along with exercise is important during adolescence.

c. Peak bone mass (about 45%) is achieved during adolescence i.e there must be adequate intake of calcium for their proper skeletal growth. Proper nutrition can maintain proper harmonal balance.

These are the three main reasons why proper nutrition is necessary during adolesence.