Teens are in a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood, and teenage years are characterised by changes not only in physical development, but in psychological, social and mental development, including:
- Brain development – as teenagers grow their brain requires many essential nutrients in order to attain optimal growth, intelligence and IQ
- Bones and teeth – bones continue to grow longer and stronger, and teeth continue to develop
- Heart and circulatory system – the heart increases in size as the heart rate continues to slow to a normal adult rate. As the heart rate decreases, blood pressure increases to adult levels
- Skin and hair – skin becomes thicker and additional hair growth occurs, and an increase in sweat gland activity may lead to acne or pimples
- Growth and energy – the teen growth spurt usually lasts between 2 and 3 years, resulting in changes in height, weight and voice
- Reproductive system – growth hormone which regulated growth in childhood is supplemented with sex hormones, which promote the secretion by the ovaries of oestrogen and progesterone, and secretion of androgens by the testes
How can you provide nutritional support for these changes?
Teens need a balanced diet high in specific vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to support the rapid changes. Learning, optimal brain function, memory, skin, hair, mood and energy levels can all be affected by nutrition.
Blackmores Teen Multi + Brain Nutrients
Blackmores Teen Multi for Girls and Blackmores Teen Multi For Guys are products formulated specifically for growing teenagers and contain unique blends of essential brain health nutrients. They also include specific vitamins and minerals often lacking in teenage diets, to help teenagers reach their full potential, both in and out of the classroom.
Blackmores Teen Multi for Girls and Blackmores Teen Multi for Guys
- Contain five essential brain nutrients; iodine, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc and vitamin B12, associated with brain development and optimal cognitive functioning.
- Help to support normal memory, reasoning, maths performance and reading.
- Formulated with nutrients that help support rapid growth spurts, healthy skin, healthy bone development, energy production, as well as normal mood and behaviour.
Teenage Girls and Guys are different; so are their nutritional requirements!
Young men go through more dramatic growth spurts; as such the recommended daily intakes for most nutrients, including B vitamins, chromium, fish oil, vitamin E and magnesium, are higher for young men than for women.
Young women, generally speaking, have lower RDI requirements for key nutrients. In addition, the girls' formula contains silica and a higher level of calcium for healthy bones.