Nutrition in adolescent growth and development
Shane A Norris1, Edward A Frongillo2, Maureen M Black3
1SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Global Health Research Institute, School of Health and Human Development, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
Lancet (London, England)
|December 2, 2021
Summary
Adolescent nutrition is critical for lifelong health and future generations, yet it is under-researched and neglected by policy. Optimizing nutrition during this sensitive growth phase impacts puberty, adult health, and overall physiological development.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Developmental Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period of growth with lasting health implications.
- Current food environments present dual burdens of malnutrition and obesity.
- Adolescent nutrition research and policy development are significantly under-resourced.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the profound and multifaceted impact of nutrition on adolescent development.
- To emphasize the need for integrated nutritional policies responsive to adolescent needs.
- To underscore the long-term health consequences of nutritional status during adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on adolescent nutrition.
- Analysis of the interplay between nutrition, growth, and physiological systems.
- Examination of policy gaps and research underinvestment in adolescent nutrition.
Main Results:
- Nutrition significantly influences pubertal timing, body composition, and adult non-communicable disease risk.
- Adolescent development, including neurodevelopment and immunity, is sensitive to nutritional status.
- Early adolescent pregnancy poses risks to both the adolescent mother and the next generation.
Conclusions:
- Adolescence is a crucial, nutrition-sensitive developmental phase.
- Improved nutrition during adolescence yields extensive benefits for individual and public health.
- Integrated, evidence-based policies are urgently needed to address adolescent nutritional challenges.
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