What nutrients are needed for growth and development during puberty?

Jun 21, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My son is going through puberty and I would like to know what foods are most nutritious. What nutrients are needed for growth and development during puberty?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Adequate nutrition is essential during adolescence to support the physical changes of growth and development. 1. Protein is a fundamental building block for muscles, bones, and organs. It is important to ensure sufficient intake of protein sources such as meat, fish, and legumes. 2. Calcium and phosphorus are key nutrients for bone development. Good dietary sources include milk, soy products, and nuts. 3. Iron is crucial for blood formation, especially for girls during menstruation, who need to pay extra attention to iron intake. Iron can be obtained from foods such as lean meats and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, while vitamins A, C, and E also have positive effects on growth and development. Therefore, adolescents should maintain a varied diet that includes a wide range of nutrients to meet the demands of their growth and development.