Healthy puberty in boys

The type and amount of nutrition is the most important environmental factor in the emergence of physical signs of puberty, normal and sufficient growth of height and weight and adolescent fitness. In adolescent boys, bone, muscle and fat tissue growth is greater than girls, so boys' nutritional needs for all food groups increase and they are vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies.

The daily diet in boys should include the following nutrients: 

• Energy-efficient foods, such as starches (rice, wheat, potatoes) and fats: provide energy needed for metabolism during adolescence.
• Animal-based protein sources (eggs, meat, milk, cheese) and plant-based (cereals): For fast growth and muscle growth, there should be 70-45 grams of protein in adolescent daily food.
• To get all kinds of vitamins, fruits and vegetables should have a special share in adolescent nutrition.
• Adequate iodine intake through foods and iodized salt is needed to prevent physical, mental and memory impairment, and this element should be included in the daily diet.
• Calorie-rich foods and drinks such as snacks, chocolates, soft drinks and candies but not nutritionally valuable and can lead to obesity and weight gain.
• Getting enough iron in diet to prevent anemia is essential.
• Adequate calcium intake is required because of the need for rapid growth of bones (45% of bone growth occurs at puberty).

Nervous overeating, anorexia nervosa, and obesity are nutritional disorders in adolescence that need supportive and therapeutic action.