nutritional and dietary needs (adolescents)

Question 1

discuss fat in the diet of an adolescent

Answer 1

care is needed to meet increased energy requirements during adolescence to help facilitate growth while also monitoring fat intake

Question 2

discuss carbohydrate in the diet of an adolescent

Answer 2

• starchy carbohydrates rather than sugary carbohydrates should be eaten, as they are energy dense rather than “empty calories”. they will provide energy to meet the demands of an adolescent growth spurt and physical activity
• fibre rich foods should be consumed to reduce the risk of constipation- 25g of fibre per day is recommended

Question 3

discuss 3 needs for protein in the diet of an adolescent

Answer 3

• required to maintain growth, maintenance and repair of body tissues
• protein can be used as a secondary source of energy to meet demands of the growth spurt or high levels of physical activity
• male adolescents have proportionately more muscle than females and so have higher protein requirements

Question 4

why is calcium needed in an adolescents diet

Answer 4

calcium is essential in adolescence to help achieve peak bone mass which will reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life (3 portions a day)

Question 5

why is vitamin d needed in an adolescents diet

Answer 5

assists absorbtion of calcium, to help bones and teeth develop and aid the development of peak bone mass which will reduce to risk of osteoporosis in later life

Question 6

give 2 reasons adolescents need iron in their diet

Answer 6

• particularly important for adolescent girls to place iron lost through menstruation and prevent iron deficiency anaemia
• adolescent boys requirement iron to help with growth and promote muscle development

Question 7

why is vitamin c needed in adolescents diet

Answer 7

promotes absorption of non haem iron from plant sources

Question 8

discuss sodium requirements in adolescents diet

Answer 8

sodium intake should be restricted as SALT intake should be no more than 6g per day (sodium x 2.5 = salt)
excess salt can effect fluid balance, which increases the risk of dehydration, particularly in adolescents who are physically active

Question 9

why is vitamin A require in an adolescents diet

Answer 9

needed for healthy skin, which can be affected by hormones and an unhealthy diet

Question 10

give 3 reasons for b group vitamins in an adolescents diet

Answer 10

• vitamin B1 helps release energy needed for rapid growth and activity
• a vegetarian adolescent may be deficient in vitamin B12 and will need to eat fortified foods, dairy products and maybe supplements
• folate requirements are high to help with cell division, which occurs during the growth spurt. It also helps prevent anaemia

Question 11

how much and why is water needed in an adolescents diet

Answer 11

drinking 2 litres of water a day will promote healthy skin

Question 12

give 3 reasons eating breakfast is important in adolescents

Answer 12

Eating breakfast should provide:
25% of daily energy and nutrients
complex carbohydrates, protein, calcium, iron, b group vitamins, vitamin c and NSP
a better metabolism, which will help maintain a healthy weight

Question 13

what 2 things can happen if adolescents do not eat breakfast

Answer 13

grazing and snacking on foods high in fat and sugar but with limited nutritional value
poor concentration, affecting ability to perform at school

Question 14

explain the importance of adequate fluid intake for an adolescent (6 points)

Answer 14

• needed to avoid dehydration
• helps keep digestive system working correctly, prevents constipation
• fluid acts as a lubricate and shock absorber in joints
• essential to promote concentration which is important as school work becomes more challenging
• helps promote healthy skin
• important for adolescent girls who have begun to menstruate- drinking at least 6-8 glasses a day during menstruation helps fighting bloating and cramps

Question 15

evaluate the impact of fast food on the health of an adolescent

Answer 15

• not all fast food can be labelled ‘junk food’ as some items can make a nutrient contribution, e.g a hamburger provides protein, fat soluble vitamins and iron. however this is often as a price as it will be high in calories, sugar, saturated fat and salt
• most fast food options are not balanced meals as they are low in vitamins, minerals and NSP
• occasional fast food meal will not have any long lasting impact on health, but regular consumption combined with inactivity is a major factor contributing to weight gain during adolescence.