The adolescent years are a time of tremendous physical growth and development. In fact, your body is growing faster now than at any other time, except your first year of life. Insufficient calories, protein and other vitamins and minerals in your diet may cause growth to slow. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about growth rate and diet.
Calcium
The most abundant mineral in the human body, calcium is important during adolescence as it supports new bone growth. According to nutritionists at the University of Minnesota, approximately 90 percent of adult bone mass is formed by age 17. In young women, adequate calcium during the teen years helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and prevent bone fractures later in life.
Iron
Iron is essential for the proper functioning of hemoglobin, the protein in the blood that carries oxygen and delivers it to all tissues of the body. Iron intake is critical during adolescence because the blood volume is expanding to support new cell growth. Lack of iron can cause you to feel sluggish and fatigued. It may also produce muscle weakness and problems concentrating.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is necessary for the body to effectively absorb calcium. Without this essential vitamin, the bones grow slowly and remain soft. Although it may be obtained from fortified foods and sunlight, deficiencies in the vitamin are more widespread than previously thought. ScienceDaily.com reports that more than one in seven U.S. teens is deficient in vitamin D.
Other Considerations
If you are concerned about slow growth during adolescence, consult your health care provider. Your doctor has likely monitored your growth throughout childhood and can determine if you are progressing along the appropriate growth curve. It is typical for teens to hit growth spurts at different times. Most often, slow growth is normal and due to genetics. Your doctor can advise you on diet or other health conditions that may contribute to slow growth.
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