The nutritional and energy needs of teenagers vary based on their individual lifestyles.
During the teenage years, the body undergoes significant changes that impact physical, mental, social, and emotional development. To support this growth, it is important for young adults to adopt healthy habits and ensure adequate intake of essential micronutrients.
There is a prevailing notion that teens don’t need vitamin supplements as much as other age groups, such as young children or seniors. This is because the World Health Organization (WHO) states that adolescents aged 10 to 14 have the lowest mortality rate of all age groups. Given this, it raises the question of whether vitamins are truly beneficial for teenagers. To gain a deeper understanding, read on.
The Nutritional Status of Teenagers in the Philippines
A Review The Philippines faces a growing number of nutrition-related issues among its adolescent population. The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology reports that 13% of teenagers in the country are classified as overweight or obese.
In terms of growth, 22.3% of adolescents are stunted, meaning they have a low height-for-age ratio, while 10.9% are wasted, meaning they have a low weight-for-height ratio, both of which are a result of chronic undernutrition. Studies have shown that such children and adolescents do not consume enough essential nutrients to support proper growth and development.
Do Teenagers Need Vitamins?
Not all teenagers will necessarily require vitamin supplements. Those who eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle may not need additional vitamins.
However, some teens may not get enough essential nutrients due to poor eating habits or a busy school schedule, and they may benefit from taking vitamin supplements under the guidance of a doctor.
Adolescence is a critical stage of development as a significant portion of total height and adult bone mass is formed during this period. It is important for teenagers to consume the recommended daily allowance of nutrients to support their growth. If they are unable to obtain the necessary vitamins from their diet, taking multivitamin supplements may help fill the gap.
Which vitamins and minerals are most suitable for teenagers?
It is advisable to consult a pediatrician to determine which vitamins and minerals are appropriate for your teenager, as each individual has their own specific nutritional needs. However, in general, the following vitamins and minerals may provide beneficial support during their developmental stage:
| Vitamin/Mineral | Function | RDA |
| Calcium | To maintain strong bones. | 1,300 mg |
| Protein | For increasing growth and building muscle mass. | 46 – 52 grams |
| B-vitamins | For promoting cell growth and maintaining brain and nerve health. | 1.2 – 1.3 mg for Vitamin B62.4 μg for Vitamin B12 |
| Vitamin D | To facilitate proper calcium absorption for bone growth and maintenance. | 600 IU |
| Vitamin E | To keep the immune system strong. | 15 mg |
While vitamins play a crucial role in adolescent development, there isn’t a universal guideline for the amount and type of vitamins needed. Each teenager has unique energy and nutrition needs based on their lifestyle, making it necessary to consult a doctor for personalized vitamin supplement advice.
Medical Disclaimer
Your physician is always the best resource for providing the appropriate medical guidance for your situation. If you suspect an adverse drug reaction, seek medical assistance promptly and report it to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph. Only purchase your medication from reputable and trustworthy pharmacies and retailers.
Sources:
http://enutrition.fnri.dost.gov.ph/site/uploads/ADOLESCENTS_and_WRA.pdf