Adolescent Nutrition

By Jennifer Turley and Joan Thompson

© 2013 Cengage

Introduction

• The Physical, Cognitive, and Social Triad During Adolescence– Monitoring Good Nutrition During Adolescence Growth

and Development • Nutrition Needs During Adolescence– Energy and Nutrient Needs for Adolescents

• Adolescent Fitness and Lifestyle Management – Adolescent Fitness Activities– Weight Gain in Adolescence– Food Intake Shifts and Imbalances– Disturbed and Distorted Adolescent Eating

Successful Growth and Development

• Dramatic growth, in spurts

• At the epiphyseal plate• Increased body weight– Gender differences

Puberty

• Typical ages• Lady’s first• Sexual

maturity ratings

Cognitive and Social Changes During Adolescence

• Ability to apply knowledge and think in multidimensional and abstract ways

• Peer relationships become paramount

Nutrition Needs during Adolescence

• Calories needed for growth – EER

• Carbohydrate– Same as adults

• Protein– 0.95 gm/Kg (9-13 yrs)– 0.85 gm/Kg (14-18 yrs)

• Fat– 25-35% of Calories – DRI for EFAs

Nutrition Needs during Adolescence

• Vitamins and minerals that support growth and development: vitamin A, folate, zinc, and vitamin C

• Vitamins and minerals needed for bone growth: Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D

• Iron needs are high, growth and menstruation• Unhealthy balance of sodium, potassium, and

water is common

Adolescent Fitness and Lifestyle Management

60 minutes of physical activity dailyThere are so many activities to do

Diet and Health Issues in Adolescence

• Weight gain and obesity in adolescence is increasing – Sets the stage for an unhealthy life– Obesity prevention is needed

• Food intake shifts and imbalances occur– Too much high Calorie, high solid fat and added sugar

foods with low levels of essential nutrients– Too much sedentary behavior– Drug, alcohol, and tobacco use

Diet and Health Issues in Adolescence

• Eating disorders– See figure

• Skin disorders– Acne

Summary• Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and sexual

maturation.• Boys and girls progress through puberty in

predictable stages.• Greater abstract thinking and problem solving skills.• Increased emphasis on peer relationships.• Proper adolescent nutrition will meet the increased

demand for Calories and protein and the unique vitamins and minerals needed to support growth and development.

References for this presentation are the same as those for this topic found in module 6 of the textbook

Summary

• Adolescents need to engage in 60 minutes of exercise every day.

• Adolescence is a common time for food intake shifts to occur and eating disorders to begin.

• A healthy diet and active lifestyle during adolescence can prevent obesity and promote overall health and wellbeing throughout the lifespan.

References for this presentation are the same as those for this topic found in module 7 of the textbook