Adolescent Nutrition Health Article

Pregnant Teens.

When a teenager becomes pregnant, she needs enough nutrients to support both her baby and her own continued growth and physical development. If her nutritional needs are not met, her baby may be born with low birth weight or other health problems. For the best outcome, pregnant teens need to seek prenatal care and nutrition advice early in their pregnancy.

Athletes.

Adolescents involved in athletics may feel pressure to be at a particular weight or to perform at a certain level. Some young athletes may be tempted to adopt unhealthful behaviors such as crash dieting, taking supplements to improve performance, or eating unhealthful foods to fulfill their hearty appetites. A balanced nutritional outlook is important for good health and athletic performance.

Vegetarians.

A vegetarian diet can be a very healthy option. However, adolescents who follow a vegetarian diet, whether for religious or personal reasons, need to carefully plan their intake to get the protein and minerals they need. Strict vegetarians (those who do not eat eggs or dairy products), also known as vegans, may need nutritional supplements to meet their needs for calcium, vitamin B₁₂, and iron.

Conclusion

Adolescence is a time of growing up both physically and socially. During these years, the nutrition choices people make will affect not only their current health, but their future health as well.

SEE ALSO EATING DISORDERS; EATING DISTURBANCES; SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN, DIET OF.

Amy N. Marlow

Bibliography

Bode, Janet (1999). Food Fight: A Guide to Eating Disorders for Preteens and Their Parents. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.

Duyff, Roberta Larson (2002). American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. New York: Wiley.

Krizmanic, Judy (1999). The Teen's Vegetarian Cookbook. New York: Viking.