Addressing Nutritional Gaps in Teenagers

Addressing Nutritional Gaps in Teenagers

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Proper nutrition among teenagers is crucial, as the period of adolescence is the time when they experience their final growth spurt. In the Philippines, many teens face nutritional deficiencies, leading to stunted growth. This guide provides insights on essential nutrients and practical tips to ensure your teen receives the right nutrition fit for his lifestyle. By focusing on their nutrition, you can help support their growth and overall health, addressing any deficiencies that may hinder their development.

Helping Support your Teen’s Nutrition

Stunting in Filipino Adolescents 

Stunting remains a significant issue among Filipino adolescents, with a stunting rate of 26.8%. This condition, primarily caused by nutritional deficiencies, leads to inadequate growth during critical developmental periods.

Common sources of protein in the Filipino diet include white rice (35.5%), lean pork (5.5%), chicken meat (4.5%), eggs (3.4%), and hotdogs (2.3%). However, these sources may not provide all essential nutrients needed for optimal growth. 

Did you know that in the Philippines, 26.8% of adolescents are stunted? More than half have protein inadequacy and more than 75% have micronutrient inadequacy*. 

Adolescence is the time when the final major growth spurt occurs. Approximately 15-20% of adult height and 45% of adult bone mass are achieved during adolescence^. 

During this period, they experience a period of rapid growth, where up to 2x key nutrients are required, compared to before puberty. 

Importance of Nutrients

Protein and micronutrients play a vital role in teenagers' nutrition. Proteins are the building blocks of muscle and tissue, essential for growth and development.

Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are crucial for various bodily functions. They support immune health, bone strength, and overall physiological development. Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients is fundamental to support the rapid growth experienced during adolescence and to prevent stunting and other growth-related issues. 

PediaSure Plus® 10+ Scientifically Designed to Support Growth

In the realm of teenagers' nutrition, PediaSure Plus® 10+ is scientifically designed supplement to support growth.

Regular milk may fall short in providing the essential nutrients required during a teenager's final growth spurt. PediaSure Plus® 10+ offers more growth and immunity nutrients compared to regular milk, ensuring your teen receives vital components like natural Vitamin K2 and arginine.

This advanced formulation helps fuel your child's last chance for catch-up growth, delivering more nutrients over regular milk, essential for optimal development.

References:

*FNRI Individual Food Consumption Survey 2019.

^ Campisi, S, et al. Innocenti Working Papers no. 2018-12, UNICEF Office of Research.

~Regular milk is made from cow’s milk that contains proteins, fats, lactose and various vitamins and minerals which are also used as food or nourishment for children. ​

**de Onis M. Child Growth and Development. In: de Pee S, Taren D, Bloem MW, eds. Nutrition and Health in a Developing World. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2017:119-141.

PH.2023.38615.PDS.1

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