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20: Nutrition Through the Lifecycle – Puberty – Adolescence

  • Page ID
    157547
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    • 20.1: Introduction
      This page explores puberty and adolescence (ages 9-18), focusing on critical nutrient needs and significant physiological changes such as the emergence of sex characteristics and growth spurts. It also addresses the negative impacts of eating disorders and obesity, underscoring the importance of proper nutrition for healthy development during these formative years.
    • 20.2: The Onset of Puberty (Ages 9 through 13 years)
      This page outlines physical development during puberty, highlighting two key phases: height increases, with girls growing 2–8 inches and boys 4–12 inches as their bones mature, and weight gain associated with muscle, bone, and fat development. It also explains how sex hormones stimulate the growth of reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics, leading to girls developing curves and boys becoming broader and more muscular.
    • 20.3: Energy and Macronutrients
      This page discusses energy requirements for preteens, highlighting differences based on gender, growth, and activity level. Girls aged 9-13 need 1,400 to 2,200 calories daily, while boys require 1,600 to 2,600 calories, with active children needing more. The AMDR recommends that 45-65% of daily calories come from carbohydrates, 10-30% from protein, and 25-35% from fats, adjusted for total caloric intake. The importance of prioritizing high-fiber carbohydrates is also emphasized.
    • 20.4: Micronutrients
      This page discusses the importance of specific vitamins and minerals during puberty. Vitamins D, K, and B12, along with calcium for bone health, are essential. Young females need increased iron due to menstruation, while young males require it for lean body mass. It emphasizes that dietary choices should generally meet these nutritional needs, though iron supplementation might be needed under healthcare advice.
    • 20.5: Iron Requirements
      This page discusses the physical and psychological changes during adolescence, noting that girls complete growth by age sixteen and boys by age eighteen to twenty. It highlights teens' growing independence in nutritional choices, which can lead to poor eating habits and related health issues. Parental guidance is emphasized for promoting healthy eating to prevent obesity and eating disorders.
    • 20.6: Energy and Macronutrients
      This page discusses the heightened nutritional requirements during adolescence, emphasizing energy needs of 1,800-2,400 calories for girls and 2,000-3,200 for boys, influenced by activity levels. It advises prioritizing nutrient-dense foods over empty calories, especially for active teens in sports. Parents play a key role in ensuring a balanced intake of grains, proteins, and fats, aligned with the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR).
    • 20.7: Micronutrients
      This page emphasizes that adolescents need micronutrients akin to adults but with higher levels of specific minerals like calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, and iron and zinc for girls. Key recommendations include 1,300 mg of calcium, 15 mg of iron for girls (ages 12-18), and adequate vitamin D and A. Low-fat dairy and fortified foods are good sources, while vitamin C boosts iron absorption. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential for adequate vitamin A intake.
    • 20.8: Eating Disorders
      This page discusses the prevalence of eating disorders among teens, especially girls and increasingly boys, highlighting the associated malnourishment and essential nutrient deprivation. It notes that these disorders often stem from stress and low self-esteem, urging parents to recognize warning signs such as weight loss and lethargy.
    • 20.9: Childhood and Adolescent Obesity
      This page discusses the importance of appropriate caloric intake for children's growth, highlighting the issue of obesity in North America, which affects nearly one in three children. Factors like larger portion sizes, lack of nutritious food access, and sedentary lifestyles contribute to this issue, leading to long-term health risks. Monitoring BMI by age and sex is crucial, with effective interventions emphasizing behavior modification and physical activity over quick weight loss methods.
    • 20.10: Avoiding Added Sugars
      This page discusses the role of added sugars in childhood obesity, highlighting their presence in common foods and beverages. It explains that these sugars, including high-fructose corn syrup and molasses, are often hidden in processed items that lack nutrients. The prevalence of these low-nutrient products can displace healthier options and exacerbate obesity problems among children.
    • 20.11: End Chapter
      This page addresses the effects of childhood obesity on adulthood, noting the likelihood of persistence into adulthood. It outlines learning objectives related to nutrient needs, puberty-related bodily changes, and health issues linked to obesity. The page also emphasizes the heightened iron requirements during this developmental phase, highlighting the critical role of nutrition in supporting healthy growth and development.


    This page titled 20: Nutrition Through the Lifecycle – Puberty – Adolescence was last modified on Sun, 27 Sep 2026 02:34:57 GMT and is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Stephanie Green and Kelli Shallal via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.