We are heading into the Malnutrition Awareness Week (September 23, 2019- September 27, 2019) which is supported by 69 organizations and reaches over 1 million healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers across the globe.
There is no doubt that adolescence marks a critical period of growth in the life course. Malnutrition among adolescents includes,
- sub-optimal dietary intake of macro-nutrients and micronutrients,
- Overweight and obesity linked to poor dietary quality.
This calls for,
- Improving and correcting nutritional deficiencies persisting from childhood that affect growth during the critical period of adolescence.
- Correcting iron deficiency is a serious concern as adolescents suffer from this micro-nutrient deficiency , contributing the greatest burden of disease in terms of disability-adjusted life years.
- Adequate intake of fruit and vegetable, as well as avoiding high intake of high-fat and calorie-dense foods, that contribute to the burden of overweight teens.,
- Avoiding malnutrition among adolescents for maternal and newborn health. Complications from pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death for adolescent girls aged 15–19 y. Improved nutrition during pregnancy is associated with optimal birth outcomes and maternal health status.
For optimum physical and mental health a diet high in vegetables, fruits, grains and fish is recommended while avoiding processed foods and sugar.
Teenage girls who eat a low-quality diet had an 80 percent higher risk of depression in comparison to those who ate a higher-quality, whole-foods diet.
These issues should be monitored for the cause of Women Health.
