NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A TEENAGER

Teenage is a highly vulnerable period in a person’s life. It is the time when the major bodily and emotional changes take place. Therefore, it is very important that the nutritional needs of teenagers are fulfilled.

The important nutrients that a teenager requires to be healthy and fit are:

Protein

Carbohydrates

Fats and oils

Vitamins and minerals 

Water

PROTEIN

Protein is a rich source of energy and is termed as the building blocks of life. It is also used to stimulate hormones, enzymes and other body chemicals. Protein is very essential for teen‘s growth and development.

The amount of protein teenagers need varies at different stages of development

Teenagers between the age group of 13 to 18 need about 0.85 grams of protein for each kg of their body weight .

For a non-vegetarian meat and fish are important sources of protein.  Whereas, pulses, soybeans, almonds, walnut etc. are a rich source of protein for vegetarians.

CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates are the chief source of energy. They contribute to 60-70% of total caloric need of the body,

Carbohydrates are grouped into 2 categories-

Simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates

Milk, milk products, vegetables and fruits come in the category of simple carbohydrates, whereas cereals, starchy vegetables and whole grain food are the examples of complex carbohydrates.

FATS AND OILS

Fats and oils are important to our body as it helps our body to gain energy. It also supports cell growth. Fats are also known as the carrier of vitamins.

There are many other benefits of fats

• It improves the elasticity of blood vessels
• It supports the immune system
• It reduces inflammation, etc.

Fat is an important part of every teenager’s diet. It helps them to stay energised and fit. On an average a teenager between the age group of 13 to 18, needs 25% to 30% of calories from fats. Therefore, a teenager should consume 70 to 100 grams of fat daily.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Vitamins are organic substances that we get from plants and animals .Whereas, minerals are inorganic substances. Vitamins supports immune system .It boasts the development and growth of body.

The essential vitamins and minerals required for a teenager are as follows:

CALCIUM-A teenager should consume 1,300mg daily

FIBER-A teenager should consume 25 grams of fibre a day

B12 AND OTHER VITAMINS-2.4 micrograms should be consumed by a teen per day

VITAMIN E-Teenagers need 22IU daily

We can get vitamins and minerals from green leafy vegetables, seeds and nuts, soya beans etc.

WATER

Water is very essential for all of us. It regulates the temperature of our body.  It helps excrete waste through urination and perspiration. Water is instrumental in transporting all major and minor nutrients throughout the body. Without sufficient water content in the body, one cannot expect to be totally healthy. It is important to stay hydrated all the time. Water regulates the metabolism and helps in burning calories.

Thus, give your teenager healthy drinks and a rich protein diet. The meals must include all the essential nutrients in the right quantity.