After the first year of life, adolescence is the most important period of growth of the whole life of a person. The nutritional needs of adolescents are soaring.
The recommended energy intake depends on the stage of growth, genetic factors, and physical activity level. It varies between 2 100 and 2 900 kcal per day in girls, and 2400 and 3500 kcal in boys.
Indeed, nutritional needs are especially increased, related to the pubertal growth (skeletal and muscular development).
The nutritional needs of adolescents
The nutritional needs of teenagers are higher than all other ages. Note, however, that children of the same age and sex may be at very different stages of development.
It is therefore difficult to provide quantified nutritional recommendations.
However, adolescents, whatever their stage of development, have higher nutritional needs in protein, calcium and iron.
