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Growth and Development Facts
- The changes that occur in adolescence are as rapid as that of early childhood!
- In this period the child gains about 20% of adult height and 50% of weight.
- Most of this height will be gained during the 18-24 month "growth spurt."
- This "growth spurt" occurs at different ages for different individuals. Generally in girls it occurs earlier than in boys. [1]
Nutritional Requirements
- Adolescents incorporate twice the amount of iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc during their growth spurt than any other time!
- Protein intake should make up about 15-20% of total energy consumed. This is usually obtained in a normal diet.
- At the ages 11-14 girls usually need about 2200 calories while boys may need 2500 calories per day.
- Surveys have shown that adolescents consume less vitamin A, vitamin B, folate, riboflavin, iron, zinc, and calcium than recommended. [2]
[Keywords: nutrition, parents, middle schoolers]
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