The RDA of magnesium for those aged 14 to 18 years, 410 mg/day for boys and 360 mg/day for girls, was derived from results of balance studies in adolescents. Good dietary sources of magnesium include nuts, and green leafy vegetables because magnesium is part of chlorophyll — the green pigment in plants. Meats and milk have an intermediate magnesium content, with milk providing mg per cup . Although data are limited, some studies have found that a large percentage of adolescents have magnesium intakes below recommended levels ( ). In an analysis of NHANES data, US adolescents who consumed milk had higher daily magnesium intakes than adolescents who did not drink milk .
However, NHANES data show that US adolescents (12-19 years) on average only consume about 1 cup of milk daily . Low-fat milk, nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables are important sources of magnesium for adolescents. If adolescents do not meet the RDA through dietary sources, LPI recommends a combined magnesium-calcium supplement. Although more supplementation studies are needed, ensuring vitamin D adequacy throughout childhood and adolescence seems prudent. According to the Endocrine Society, at least 600 IU/day may be required to maximize bone health, and 1,000 IU/day may be needed to increase serum levels above 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) .
Given the average vitamin D content of the diets of adolescents, supplementation may be necessary to meet this recommendation. Vitamin B6 is required for heme synthesis and in the synthesis and metabolism of amino acids— the building blocks of proteins. Thus, the vitamin has obvious relevance to adolescent growth and health. Dietary intake recommendations of vitamin B6 for adolescents were established by extrapolating data from adults, using metabolic body weight and accounting for growth. The RDA for boys aged 14 to 18 years is 1.3 mg/day, and the RDA for girls aged 14 to 18 years is 1.2 mg/day . Only a few studies have evaluated vitamin B6 status specifically in adolescents.
The same investigators found more than 40% vitamin B6 inadequacy when a group of 112 adolescent girls (12- and 14-year-old) were followed for two years . For information on dietary sources of the vitamin, see the article on Vitamin B6. Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin", is a nutrient that can be synthesized by the body from sun exposure and obtained via food sources such as dairy products, eggs, and fish. Trout and salmon are two of the top dietary sources of vitamin D, containing at least 570 IUs per three ounce serving. Vitamin D is essential for proper calcium absorption and strong bones, particularly during adolescence. In severe cases, vitamin D deficiency may lead to rickets, a condition characterized by soft bones.
Fortunately, testing your vitamin D level is a relatively common test today that you can do via your general or integrative practitioner. If you suspect you may be deficient in vitamin D, consult your healthcare provider for proper testing and recommendations specific to your needs. All of them are essential for the healthy growth and development of teenage boys. You can find the different types across various foods, including beans, dairy products, grains, and leafy greens. If your teenager is on a strictly vegetarian diet, you might want to consider multivitamin supplements that contain these essential nutrients. At what age should my child switch from children's to adult vitamins?
If you choose to have your child take vitamins, at age 14 they should probably switch to an adult formula. That is the age when the Recommended Dietary Allowances take a big jump. But if a younger adolescent girl has begun menstrual periods and lacks iron in her diet, it could be appropriate to switch her to an adult RDA-level supplement at a younger age. Calcium is the exception to the major nutrient-need increase at age 14.
This amount can be obtained from a balanced diet with three-and-a-half to four servings of dairy products or other high-calcium foods daily. If your child can't meet this goal, calcium-fortified foods or a separate calcium supplement is in order beginning at age nine. Also, if you drink well water or other nonfluoridated water, fluoride supplements are recommended through age 16. About 99% of calcium in the body is found in bones and teeth . Specifically, data used by the FNB to determine calcium accretion came from a recent longitudinal study in 642 Caucasian adolescents aged 14 to 18 years .
Thus, the RDA was set at 1,300 mg/day; this level of calcium intake is expected to cover the needs of 97.5% of adolescents. Vitamin C has a number of important roles during growth and development, including being required for the synthesis of collagen, carnitine, and neurotransmitters . Vitamin C is also a highly effective antioxidant and is important for immunity .
Further, vitamin C strongly enhances the absorption of nonheme iron by reducing dietary ferric iron (Fe3+) to ferrous iron (Fe2+). Specifically, iron absorption is two- to three-fold higher with co-ingestion of 25 to 75 mg of vitamin C . This has special relevance to adolescent health, considering the fact that iron deficiency is prevalent among adolescents, especially girls . The RDA for adolescents aged 14 to 18 years, which was extrapolated from recommendations for adults based on relative body weight, is 75 mg/day and 65 mg/day of vitamin C for boys and girls, respectively . Severe iron deficiency leads to iron-deficiency anemia; anemia affects more than 30% of the global population . Adolescents have increased requirements for iron due to rapid growth.
Following puberty, adolescent girls have lower iron stores compared to adolescent boys . Vitamin A intake recommendations for adolescents were derived by extrapolating the recommendation for adults using metabolic body weight, accounting for growth. For information on vitamin A content in foods, see the article on Vitamin A. The amount of calories in food vary depending on how much carbohydrate, protein and fat it contains – both carbohydrates and protein provide four calories per gram, while fat provides nine calories per gram. It is important that teens obtain calories from nutrient-dense sources, which are higher in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, and limit added sugars, salt and saturated fats. A well-balanced eating plan includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products and lean protein foods.
The amount of bioavailable iron in food is influenced by the iron nutritional status of the individual and also by the form of iron . Individuals who are anemic or iron deficient absorb a larger percentage of the iron they consume than individuals who are not anemic and have sufficient iron stores . Although heme iron generally accounts for only 10-15% of the iron found in the diet, it may provide up to one third of total absorbed dietary iron .
The absorption of nonheme iron is strongly influenced by enhancers and inhibitors present in the same meal. For instance, vitamin C strongly enhances the absorption of nonheme iron by reducing dietary ferric iron (Fe3+) to ferrous iron (Fe2+) and forming an absorbable, iron-ascorbic acid complex. Organic acids, such as citric, malic, tartaric, and lactic acids, also enhance nonheme iron absorption. Further, consumption of meat, poultry, and fish enhance nonheme iron absorption, but the mechanism for this increase in absorption is not clear . Inhibitors of nonheme iron absorption include phytic acid, which is present in legumes, grains, and rice. Polyphenols found in some fruit, vegetables, coffee, tea, wines, and spices can also markedly inhibit the absorption of nonheme iron, but this effect is reduced by the presence of vitamin C .
Soy protein, such as that found in tofu, has an inhibitory effect on iron absorption that is independent of its phytic acid content . The American Dietetic Association recommends a diet including a wide variety of foods as the best strategy for optimal health and lower risk of chronic disease. Like adults, many adolescents take regular vitamin and mineral supplements. The new study is one of the first to look at the relationship between vitamin supplement use among teens and diet and lifestyle factors such as physical activity and overweight. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, a mineral that facilitates the transportation of oxygen through your blood stream and helps regulate cell growth. Vitamin C helps to keep your cells healthy and, as an antioxidant, may protect you from illness.
The recommended daily intake is 75 milligrams of vitamin C for teen boys and 65 milligrams for teen girls. Adding a variety of foods to a teen's diet can help her get what she needs, and supplementing with multivitamins may benefit some teens. The formulas also contain vitamin D, magnesium and zinc which contribute to the maintenance of normal bone health. The best way to get these vitamins and other nutrients is by eating a healthy, balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, lean meats, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy.
But if you're not, you may not be getting adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals to keep you feeling your best. A specially formulated multivitamin for your age and gender, like Nature Made Multi for Him or Multi for Him 50+, provides nutritional support to fill in nutrient gaps missing from your diet. Anyone who struggles to eat a healthy, varied, and balanced diet may benefit from taking supplements. For teenagers, it may be helpful to take iron, calcium, and vitamin D if you feel you are lacking these essential vitamins and minerals. Before you or your teenager start taking any new supplements it's a good idea to check with your GP or a pharmacist.
However, when accounting for intake from fortified foods, less than 5% of individuals in that age group have intakes below the EAR . The US Food and Drug Administration implemented legislation in 1998 requiring the fortification of all enriched grain products with folic acid . Globally, more than 50 countries have mandatory programs of wheat-flour fortification with folic acid, but flour fortification is not common in Europe . Dietary folate inadequacy is common among adolescents in European nations, especially girls . An optimum nutritional intake during adolescence and young adulthood can help set the stage for lifelong health. Teenagers need to have sufficient vitamins and minerals to ensure healthy development during growth spurts, plus as they undergo significant physical and biochemical changes in their bodies.
So the importance of obtaining the right nutrients in the diet is vital, just at a time when this may not be a top priority for some busy teenagers. Some clinical trials have demonstrated the protective effects of dietary omega-3s against cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve high-density lipoprotein levels and lower triglyceride and blood pressure levels. Some research suggests that omega-3 fish oil supplements may also exert heart health benefits. A yummy chewable multivitamin, the Solgar Kangavites Vitamin tablets are available in a sweet berry flavor. A blend of multivitamins and minerals, the Solgar multivitamin tablets give your teens the recommend DV every day.
Like other multivitamins, these are just dietary supplements and are best taken just before or after food. Teenagers can take one tab in the morning with breakfast, and the other in the evening for optimal results. RiteStart Chewables are another phenomenal multivitamin supplement that teenage boys can rely on to receive their daily dose of vital minerals and vitamins that boost their growth and overall health. Each box contains 120 chewable tablets, and each of them contains 22 crucial vitamins and nutrients.
Rainbow Light's multivitamin is a completely food-based multivitamin supplement. It is a special formula designed to encourage the healthy growth and development of a teenage boy's brain. It is a product entirely free of dairy products and gluten, containing the essential nutrients you boy needs to remain calm and focused. It's important for teenagers to get all the necessary vitamins daily. However, several vitamins are particularly important for growth, development and sustained energy levels. Fill your diet with a variety of vitamin-rich foods to get plenty of vitamins, as well as other nutrients, without having to worry about taking dietary supplements.
Vitamins in small quantities are essential for normal metabolism. Our bodies don't make them, so we must get them from a well-balanced diet. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children who receive a well-balanced diet do not need extra vitamin intake over and above the recommended dietary allowances . More than one-third of children in the U.S. take dietary supplements routinely. Certain vegetables and grains also provide calcium, but their bioavailability is lower compared with dairy.
For more information on dietary sources of calcium and calcium bioavailability, see the article on Calcium. The Nutrition Facts label of packaged foods lists calcium content in one serving as a percent of the Daily Value , with the DV being 1,000 mg. Since the RDA for adolescents is 1,300 mg/day, the percentage of the DV listed on the food label would be an overestimation of the percentage of the RDA. If adolescents do not meet the RDA through diet alone, LPI recommends supplemental calcium.
Multivitamin/mineral supplements generally provide no more than 200 mg of calcium. The B vitamin, folate, is required as a coenzyme to mediate the transfer of one-carbon units. Folate coenzymes act as acceptors and donors of one-carbon units in a variety of reactions critical to the endogenous synthesis and metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids .
Thus, folate has obvious importance in growth and development. Moreover, higher intakes of folate in adolescents have been linked to better academic achievement . Like other B vitamins, adolescent intake recommendations for folate were extrapolated from adult recommendations, using metabolic body weight and accounting for growth. The RDA for adolescents aged 14 to 18 years is 400 μg/day of dietary folate equivalents . The product features 25 important vitamins and minerals such as plant-based calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.
All of these nutrients are necessary for teens to build strong and healthy bones and muscles. We have considered numerous websites and hundreds of user reviews to curate this list of essential multivitamin supplements for teenagers. We have ensured that these products are safe and meet the necessary criteria. Each item on the list has a detailed description of the nutritional value, ingredients, and factors indicating the need for each of these supplements. You can choose one your child needs based on the their requirement and the doctor's advice.
It has a unique formula that consists of multiple vitamins and minerals in the right combination to help your teenage boy maintain strength, healthy growth, and optimal development. It helps boost their energy levels for physical activities, contains 100% organic ingredients, and is even 100% approved for vegetarian consumption. A deficiency in minerals and essential vitamins in teenage boys can adversely affect the growth and development of secondary sexual characteristics in them as they grow. The deficiency of essential nutrients can lead to poor performance in physical activities and sports. For instance, women of reproductive age require more iron than men of the same age, so women's supplements typically include iron and men's supplements don't. If you're asking yourself, "What vitamins should I take daily for a man?
" keep in mind that it varies depending on your age and lifestyle. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for maintaining normal calcium metabolism and is therefore necessary for bone health. The growth plates of bones continue to enlarge, but in the absence of adequate mineralization, weight-bearing limbs become bowed. Although myelination primarily occurs during fetal development and early infancy, it continues through childhood, adolescence, and stages of early adulthood . Because of the role of vitamin B12 in myelination and other metabolic processes, it is important for adolescents to meet dietary intake recommendations.
The RDA of vitamin B12 for adolescent boys and girls aged 14 to 18 years is 2.4 μg/day , extrapolated from the recommendation for adults. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for growth and development, normal vision, the expression of selected genes, immunity, and reproduction . Vitamin A deficiency in children and adolescents is a major public health problem worldwide, especially in less developed countries . Even marginal or subclinical deficiencies in vitamin A may have adverse effects on bone growth and sexual maturation of adolescents . Because of its role in immunity, inadequate intake of this vitamin also increases risk for infectious diseases .
Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body use calcium and phosphorous to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D is unique in that it can be synthesized by the body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Too little vitamin D can cause calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood to decrease, leading to calcium being pulled out of the bones to help maintain stable blood levels.
This can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults. However, too much vitamin D can cause too much calcium to be deposited in the body, which can lead to calcification of the kidney and other soft tissues including the heart, lungs and blood vessels. If your diet is less than ideal or you follow a restrictive diet, supplementing with certain nutrients may help address nutrient deficiencies and promote better health. If you're a patient, consult your integrative healthcare practitioner before adding any supplements to your routine and to discuss the best vitamin supplements for men.
The adolescent years are a critical time for bone development. Therefore, adequate dietary intake of certain nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, is necessary. For individuals struggling to obtain enough of these essential nutrients through diet alone, adding a supplement, as advised by an integrative healthcare practitioner, may be beneficial. It consists of some of the core nutrients like Vitamins A, B, C, D, K2, and the B-Complex. Some of the minerals they include are folic acid, calcium, iron, and niacin, among many more. The specialized formulation is ideal for teenage boys of growing age.
