Give Your Teenagers the Nutrition They Need

All teens can benefit from taking a nutrional supplements. But not just any supplement, they need supplements designed especially for them.

Teens have different nutritional requirements that those of adults (of all the nutrients required by people daily, only vitamin D has the same RDA for both adults and kids.

It's impossible to give a growing teen the right amount of vitamins or other supplements simply by breaking an adult tablet into pieces. They will not receive nutrients in the ratios they need.

Make sure teens get all the nutrition they need! That means supplementing the vital nutrients they may not get from their daily diet. Remember, when it comes to supplements, always give teens stuff made especially for them.

Get Them in the Habit!

Here is a list of ideas you can try to help ensure your teens remain nutritionally aware into adulthood:

• Talk to them often about the importance of nutrition. Remind them that adequate nutrition helps ensure their bodies have what they need to be fit, healthy and strong.


• Explain how various vitamins benefit their bodies. When your teen understands that vitamin D, for example, helps build strong bones, he will learn to appreciate that value of proper nutrition.


• If you decide supplementation is a good idea, give teens supplements at the same time every day, like at the all-important meal, breakfast. Consistency in providing the supplements helps young people establish the habit for life.

Vitamins & Minerals

Here's a list that can help you explain, to your teenager, how each is beneficial to the body:

• Vitamin C: Crucial to immune functions as well as iron absorption. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fuits, melons, cranberries, strawberries, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, dark leafy greens, white and sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.


• Vitamin B₁₂: Essential for cell construction and central nervous system function. During rapid growth of all children's systems, a B₁₂ deficiency can occur rapidly. The body stores very little vitamin ₁₂ even under the best of circumstances.


• Calcium: Besdides helping bones and teeth grow, calcium is vital for control of body fluids and muscle contractions. Because they are growing, kids can absorb up to 75% of the calcium in their diets.


• Zinc: The body's second most abundant mineral, zinc is a vital component of over 100 enzymes required for growth, sexual maturation, wound healing, taste and immunity. Kids who don't get enough zinc may not grow to their full potential and may experience a lack of appetite.