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Growth
During puberty, adolescents experience a major growth spurt, and thus require
increased nutrient needs. Boys experience the growth spurt at different times
than girls. For males, puberty usually begins anywhere from the ages of 12 to
15 years, with peak growth usually occuring at 14. For females, puberty occurs
much earlier, between the ages of 10 and 13, with peak growth occuring around
the ages of 12 to 13. Because of hormonal insertions into the bloodstream, males
develop grater muscle and skeletal growth, requiring more protein, iron, calcium,
and zinc. Girls develop less muscle tissue and more fatty tissue, especially in the
chest area in the form of breasts. Thus, males need more nutrients than females
during puberty, with the exception of iron. Girls need more iron because they
are beginning to menstruate.
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Exercises
