Nutrient needs during adolescence

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Generally nutrient needs are higher during adolescence than at any other time in the
lifecycle with the exception of pregnancy and lactation.

Energy
Males require higher amounts since they grow faster and develop more lean body
tissues. The peak energy value of 3000 kcal is at 15 to 18 years. Since girls start
growing earlier than boys, their energy needs peak sooner and decline more rapidly.
The peak value is at 11 to 24 years and they require about 2200 kcal per day.

Proteins
For boys the highest protein allowances begins at 15 years and persists to adulthood.
They require about 59 grams of proteins per day. For girls, protein allowance peaks at
11 to 14 years and they need 46 grams of protein per day.

Carbohydrates and lipids
Carbohydrates should provide 55% to 60% of total calories per day. Lipids should
provide 25% to 30% of total calories per day.

Calcium
Calcium needs are based on needs for skeletal growth. During the growth spurt, 45%
of the skeletal mass is added, making the needs for calcium greater during this time
than during childhood or early adulthood. For both male and female adolescents, the
RDA for calcium increases to 1300 mg. Low calcium intake if impaired with physical
inactivity may compromise the attainment of peak bone mass which is considered to
be the best protection against age related bone loss and fractures.

Iron
Adolescents have increased needs for iron related to an expanding blood volume, the
rise in haemoglobin concentration, and the growth of muscles mass. In boys, iron
requirements quickly decrease after the growth spurt, allowing for recovery if a
deficiency developed during the growth spurt. Adolescent girls tend to develops iron
deficiency slowly after puberty and this is related to poor eating habits, chronic fad
dieting, and menstrual losses. The requirements for iron in girls almost double
between the 9 to 13 years of age grouping and the 14 to 18 year age grouping. The
requirements for iron remain high until menopause. The RDA for girls is 15mg/day
while for boys is 12 mg/day.

Zinc
Zinc requirements increases during adolescence because it is associated with muscles
growth and is necessary for sexual maturation. The recommended allowance for boys
is 15 mg/day and girls are 12 mg/day.

Vitamins
Vitamins needs for those vitamins that play a role in energy metabolism increases
directly with increased caloric intake. These are vitamins B1, B2 B3 and B6. The
needs for vitamins B12 and folate which are involved in tissue growth also increase
during adolescence. Vitamin D is required for skeletal growth and so its requirements
increases during adolescence.

Titany answered the question on November 8, 2021 at 07:42

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