Nutrition During Adolescence (Ages 12-19): Videos & Practice Problems

Adolescence (ages 12-19) involves puberty-driven growth spurts increasing calorie needs to 1800-3200 kcal/day, with males requiring more. Fat intake should be 25-35% of calories, protein around 0.8 g/kg body weight, and carbohydrates stable. Key micronutrients include calcium and vitamin D for bone growth, plus iron—especially for menstruating girls. Fluid intake ranges from 2.3 to 3.3 liters daily. Nutritional risks include eating disorders, obesity, and substance use like alcohol, which impairs nutrient absorption and metabolism, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition and healthy choices during this critical developmental stage.

Nutrition During Adolescence (Ages 12-19)

Adolescence, defined as the period between 12 and 19 years of age, is marked by significant physiological changes due to puberty, which triggers growth spurts and hormonal shifts. These changes increase the overall energy requirements compared to earlier childhood stages. Caloric needs during adolescence typically range from 1800 to 3200 kilocalories per day, with males generally requiring more calories than females due to differences in growth patterns and body composition.

Fat intake should constitute approximately 25–35% of total daily calories, maintaining a level consistent with earlier childhood but slightly higher than adult recommendations. Protein requirements decrease to about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, aligning with adult protein needs, while carbohydrate intake remains stable throughout adolescence.

Micronutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamins A and D are especially critical during this stage. Calcium and vitamin D are vital for supporting the rapid bone growth characteristic of adolescence, emphasizing the importance of adequate intake to promote optimal skeletal development. Fluid intake recommendations increase to approximately 2.3 to 3.3 liters per day, reflecting the higher hydration needs during this growth phase, though still less than adult fluid requirements.

Iron needs are notably higher for adolescent girls compared to boys, primarily to compensate for menstrual blood loss. This highlights the importance of monitoring iron status to prevent anemia. Adolescents also face unique nutritional challenges, including a heightened risk of eating disorders and obesity. The growing independence and influence of peers can lead to less healthy dietary choices, such as increased consumption of fast food. Additionally, the use of alcohol, nicotine, and recreational drugs during adolescence can impair nutrient absorption and metabolism, potentially causing nutrient deficiencies and further complicating nutritional status.

Understanding these nutritional dynamics during adolescence is essential for supporting healthy growth, development, and long-term well-being.

Which of the following is a common nutrition concern among adolescents?

• A. Excessive eating due to body dysmorphia.
• B. Undereating due to social/peer pressure.
• C. Increased consumption of alcohol & sugary drinks.
• D. All of the above.

Answer: (D)

Which of the following statements about nutrition during adolescence is true?

• A. “Food jags” are common among teenagers.
• B. Adolescent girls need more iron in their diet than adolescent boys.
• C. Adolescent girls need more zinc in their diet than adolescent boys.
• D. Answers b & c.

Answer: (B)

Which of the following statements is true?

• A. As children get older, they need more Calories because their growth rate increases.
• B. Adolescents’ nutrition choices are significantly more likely to be influenced by their parents than their peers.
• C. Nutrition recommendations start to differ for boys & girls at approximately 9 years old.
• D. All of the above are true.

Answer: (C)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the calorie needs for adolescents aged 12-19, and how do they differ between males and females?

Adolescents aged 12-19 experience puberty, which triggers growth spurts and hormonal changes, increasing their calorie needs. Typically, calorie requirements range from 1800 to 3200 kilocalories per day. Males generally require more calories than females during this stage due to differences in body composition and growth rates. These calorie needs support rapid physical development and increased energy expenditure. Factors such as activity level, growth rate, and individual metabolism also influence calorie requirements. Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring balanced nutrition that supports healthy growth and development during adolescence.

Why are calcium and vitamin D particularly important for adolescents, and what are the recommended fluid intakes during this period?

Calcium and vitamin D are essential micronutrients during adolescence because this period involves rapid bone growth and development. Calcium supports bone mineralization, while vitamin D enhances calcium absorption and bone health. Adequate intake of both nutrients helps prevent future bone disorders such as osteoporosis. Adolescents are also recommended to consume between 2.3 to 3.3 liters of fluids daily, which is higher than the previous age group but slightly less than adults. Proper hydration supports metabolic processes and overall health, especially during growth spurts and increased physical activity common in adolescence.

How do protein and fat requirements change during adolescence compared to childhood and adulthood?

During adolescence, protein needs decrease closer to the adult recommendation of approximately 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. This is a reduction compared to earlier childhood stages when protein needs are relatively higher to support rapid growth. Fat intake should constitute about 25-35% of total daily calories, which remains consistent with the previous age group but is slightly higher than adult recommendations. This fat intake supports hormonal changes and energy needs during puberty. Carbohydrate requirements remain stable throughout adolescence, providing a primary energy source for growth and activity.

What are the nutritional risks and challenges adolescents face, and how do peer influence and substance use impact their nutrition?

Adolescents face several nutritional risks, including increased prevalence of eating disorders and obesity. The transition to greater independence and peer influence can lead to unhealthier dietary choices, such as frequent fast food consumption. Peer pressure often affects food preferences and eating habits, making balanced nutrition challenging. Additionally, substance use like alcohol, nicotine, and recreational drugs can negatively impact nutrient absorption and metabolism. For example, alcohol interferes with the absorption of vital nutrients, potentially leading to deficiencies. Awareness of these risks is essential for promoting healthy eating behaviors and preventing long-term health issues during adolescence.

Why do iron requirements differ between adolescent boys and girls, and what is the significance of this difference?

Iron requirements are higher for adolescent girls compared to boys due to menstruation, which causes regular blood loss and increases iron needs to prevent anemia. During adolescence, girls need sufficient iron to support increased blood volume and muscle growth, as well as to compensate for menstrual losses. Boys also require iron for growth and muscle development but generally have lower needs than girls. Ensuring adequate iron intake through diet or supplementation is critical for maintaining energy levels, cognitive function, and overall health during this developmental stage.