ABSTRACT

Adolescence which is accepted as a transition from childhood to adulthood is a period of physical, psychological and social maturation. Growth and development shows an acceleration and adult anthropometric measurement values are reached at the end of this period. The pace of growth and development affects nutrition requirements in this period. Daily calorie intake should consist of 10-15% from high quality proteins, 30-35% from fats and 50-60% from carbohydrates.

Besides the increasing calorie intake, there is an increase in protein, iron, vitamin B requirements in this period. Vitamin A requirement increases collaterally with growth and development of the body. The requirement of folic acid and vitamin B12 which plays a role in the development of the body tissue increases. Moreover a sufficient amount of vitamin D intake which support skeletal development is required. Iron requirement which has a significant role in skeletal development and an increase in blood volume rises. In addition, foods that are rich in vitamin C increase the absorption of iron by the body. Zinc is a mineral that is necessary for growth and sexual development.

The nutrients effective on immune system and help with growth and development, cell regeneration, tissue repairment, vision, and blood production such as iron, zinc, phosphorous, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 are obtained from Meat Group; protein, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12 from Dairy Group; vitamin E, vitamin B, and fiber from Grains Group; folic acid, beta carotene, vitamin B2, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and fiber from Vegetable and Fruit Group.

Among the health problems which are related to nutrition during adolescence and also can effect all life periods are obesity, anemia due to iron and vitamin B12 deficiency, zinc deficiency, growth and development retardation, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, dental caries, acne vulgaris and depression.