Adolescent Nutrition

Question 1

Which nutrients would you need to focus on with vegetarian teenager?

Answer 1

Iron, zinc, protein, essential fatty acids

Need iron and zinc to create pancreatic juices and enzymes. Need Hcl acid to digest.

Vegos could be low in digestive secretions and thus find meat hard to process. Always ask vegetarians WHY they don’t eat meat.

No zinc means no appetite, need to get their nutrition right before you introduce heavy meals (which they wont be able to digest)…

Bitter herbs + apple cider vinegar are great to get juices going. Rocket also great.

Question 2

At what age is the adolescent growth spurt in boys

Answer 2

12-13yrs

Question 3

At what age is the adolescent growth spurt in girls

Answer 3

11-12yrs

Question 4

As a result of the rapid growth seen at this time, both genders are susceptible to iron deficiency anaemia because:

Answer 4

Additional height and weight requires an increase in blood volume - brings about increased need for iron

Question 5

How long does the adolescent growth spurt last?

Answer 5

2-2.5yrs