Consider the nutritional requirements of adolescence and their dietary habits. Critically discuss how this may impact future health Flashcards
Describe the physiological changes of adolescence and the requirement for nutrition
during this time.
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, generally between ages 10 and 19. Several significant physiological changes occur during adolescence, including puberty, rapid growth and development, sexual maturation, and cognitive development. These changes lead to an increased need for energy and specific nutrients to support optimal growth and development.
Due to the rapid growth and development during adolescence, nutritional needs are higher than at any other time in life, except for infancy.
Boys generally need more calories than girls due to greater increases in lean body mass and overall size.
Energy requirements vary depending on activity levels, with active adolescents requiring more calories to fuel their growth and physical activities.
Consider which nutrients are key
Adolescents require higher levels of specific nutrients to support their growth and development.
Protein
Protein is needed to support the growth of new tissues, including muscle, bone, and skin.
Adolescents should consume lean protein sources such as meat, dairy, eggs, legumes, and plant-based proteins.
Calcium and Vitamin D
These nutrients are vital for bone development. The body is building up to peak bone mass during adolescence, and insufficient calcium intake can increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
Good sources include dairy products, fortified foods, and exposure to sunlight for vitamin D.
Iron
Iron needs increase due to the expansion of blood volume during growth and, in girls, the onset of menstruation.
Iron deficiency, or anemia, is common among adolescents, particularly girls. Iron-rich foods include red meat, beans, and fortified cereals.
Fats and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, are crucial for brain development and overall cellular function.
Sources include fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils.
Vitamins A, C, E, and Folate
These vitamins are essential for immune function, skin health, and DNA synthesis.
Consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fortified grains is important.
Zinc
Zinc is important for growth, immune function, and sexual maturation.
Sources include meat, shellfish, legumes, and whole grains.
Describe psycho-social influences and how this may change nutritional intake. Refer to
any relevant NDNS and HSE data.
Adolescents’ food choices are strongly influenced by social and psychological factors, including peer pressure, media influence, body image concerns, and family habits. These influences often lead to poor dietary patterns, including skipping meals, eating fast food, or consuming high-calorie, nutrient-poor snacks.
Peer Influence and Media
Adolescents are highly influenced by their peers and social media, often adopting unhealthy dietary habits such as skipping breakfast or consuming processed and high-sugar foods.
Social media can also drive unhealthy eating behaviors, particularly among adolescents concerned about body image, leading to disordered eating patterns.
Convenience and Fast Food
Adolescents tend to consume more convenience foods, which are often high in calories, saturated fats, and sugars but low in essential nutrients.
Studies such as the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) report that adolescents often exceed recommendations for sugar, fat, and salt intake while failing to meet the requirements for fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
Family Environment
Parental influence and family mealtimes play a role in shaping eating habits. Adolescents from families with poor dietary habits may be more likely to consume energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods.
Consider physical activity.
Adolescence is also a critical time for establishing physical activity patterns that can impact long-term health.
Physical activity is essential for promoting bone strength, muscle development, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of obesity.
However, according to data from the Health Survey for England (HSE), many adolescents do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, contributing to the rising rates of childhood obesity.
Impact on Nutrition
Sedentary lifestyles and increased screen time can reduce energy expenditure while encouraging snacking on high-calorie foods.
Active adolescents, on the other hand, require more calories and nutrients to support their higher energy expenditure, particularly protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes.
Link to risk of nutritional deficiencies and long-term conditions
The combination of poor dietary habits, psycho-social influences, and physical inactivity can lead to several nutritional deficiencies in adolescents, including:
**Iron Deficiency Anemia: **Common among adolescent girls due to menstrual blood loss and inadequate iron intake.
Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency: Low intake of calcium and vitamin D can impair bone development, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.
Vitamin A and C Deficiency: Insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables can lead to deficiencies that compromise immune function and skin health.
Long-Term Health Risks
Poor nutrition and sedentary behavior during adolescence increase the risk of developing chronic diseases later in life, such as:
**Obesity: **Poor dietary choices and physical inactivity contribute to obesity, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Cardiovascular Disease: A high intake of saturated fat, sugar, and salt during adolescence can lead to the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions in adulthood.
Osteoporosis: Inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake during adolescence increases the risk of poor bone health and osteoporosis in later life.