Nutritional Requirements in Adolescence

This session will describe nutritional requirements during adolescence, typical eating patterns which could lead to nutritional deficiencies, common dieting strategies used, and the additional nutritional needs arising with pregnancy.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Summarise the five main food groups as demonstrated by the eatwell guide
• Recognise the role of a healthy diet during adolescence, for future good health and in preventing obesity
• Recognise the importance of specific nutrients during rapid adolescent growth
• Identify typical eating patterns in adolescence which may lead to nutrient deficiencies, and recognise that nutrient deficiency may accompany excessive calorie intake
• List common diets adopted by teenagers and summarise the nutritional significance of each
• Outline the nutritional needs that arise during teenage pregnancy

Adolescence is a time of change and this impacts significantly on nutritional requirements. Appropriate nutrition is essential for health and development during adolescence, as well as for future health.

Despite its importance, healthy eating is not usually a priority for adolescents. Achieving optimal nutritional intake therefore presents a particular challenge.