Key issues in nutrition. During childhood and adolescence

Good nutrition is important between ages 2 and 18, because growth and maturation are taking place and because future eating habits are being established. The primary care physician can assist children and adolescents by evaluating high-risk factors, such as a family history of cardiovascular disease or hypercholesterolemia, and by recommending supplemental nutrients as indicated. Possibly more important, though, is the counseling the physician can give these patients and their parents to promote a life-style that may prevent disease.