Optimal nutrition practices can have profound benefits for the current and future health and well-being of adolescents. During this second intense growth window, nutritional deficiencies that persisted from childhood can be addressed and catch-up growth may be possible. Additionally, adolescence provides an opportunity to adopt healthy eating habits that can have life-long impacts. The nutritional challenges that adolescents face include micronutrient deficiencies, food insecurity, suboptimal diet quality and obesity.

 Achieving optimal nutrition among adolescents requires coordinated actions that ideally include health, education, social protection, media and other areas. Schools can deliver interventions to high-risk groups, for example, iron and folic acid supplementation for adolescent girls. At the same time, health professionals can implement screening and treatment programmes and are trusted for information.

WHO recommendations for healthy diets in adolescence

Sugar intake for adults and children (2015)

WHO recommends a reduced intake of free sugars throughout the life course. In both adults and children, WHO recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake and suggests a further reduction to below 5% of total energy intake.

Potassium intake for adults and children (2012)

WHO suggests an increase in potassium intake from food to control blood pressure in children ages 2–15 years. The recommended potassium intake of at least 90 mmol/day in adults should be adjusted downward for children, based on the energy requirements of children relative to those of adults.

Sodium intake for adults and children (2012)

WHO recommends a reduction in sodium intake to control blood pressure in children ages 2–15 years. The recommended maximum sodium level of intake of 2 g/day in adults should be adjusted downward based on the energy requirements of children relative to those of adults.