Call to action: the future of evidence-based, adolescent-focused dietary guidance

Diet quality and nutritional adequacy are lower during the adolescent period than at any other stage of life. Poor food choices during this life stage are related to increased risk for adverse short- and long-term health outcomes. Identification of nutrient needs as well as effective approaches to intervene during this translational time of growth and development are critically needed. An expert panel of scientists from the academic, clinical, industry, and federal sectors were convened to highlight the unique dietary, physiological, social, behavioral, and challenges of adolescents and to discuss the limited high-quality research that is available on nutritional status in adolescence. Research to support evidence-based, adolescent-focused dietary guidance and its implementation are vitally needed to promote healthy dietary patterns that can be sustained across the life span.