Nutrient intake and biological maturation during adolescence. The Amsterdam growth and health longitudinal study

The study evaluates the association of the food intake and the rate of biological maturation of 200 boys and girls in Amsterdam during their adolescence. The subjects were followed in a longitudinal survey over a period of 9 years, between the ages of 13 and 22 years. In the first four years (1976-1980) annual measurements were performed (school period). In 1985 a fifth measurement was made at the age of 21 years. Biological maturation was estimated from X-ray photographs of the left hand and wrist and rated according to the Tanner-Whitehouse II method. On the basis of the annual measurements in the first four years a distinction was made between late maturers (LMs) and early maturers (EMs). The individual food intake was obtained with a cross-check dietary history method: a dietitian interviewed the entire range of foods and drinks, making allowance for regular meals as well as in-between meals, separately for normal schooldays and weekend days. Analysis of variance was used to test the effects of maturation (M), time of measurement (T) and interaction (M x T). The results show that EMs of both sexes consumed less energy and protein per kg body weight, but were fatter at young adult age and showed less habitual physical activity than LMs during the whole period of observation. The conclusion could be drawn that late maturation seems to coincide with an energy intake that is more appropriate to their higher activity pattern than early maturation during adolescence. This results in a significantly lower body fat mass in late maturing boys and girls compared to early maturers.