CHILD-ADOLESCENT NUTRITION

The childhood period is the period between infancy and puberty periods. The children in this period learn to choose the foods and also their palatal delight improves and they spend most of their time playing games.
Growing up and development in the childhood period is slower as compared to the infancy and puberty periods. The most frequent diseases in this period are constipation and anemia. Because children consume over 500 ml of milk and since they cannot consume a sufficient amount of fiber (vegetable, fruit, grain), constipation is frequently seen. Besides, the calcium entering into the body in high amounts together with the milk prevents the iron to be absorbed and the inadequate amount of vitamin C slows down the absorption of iron and anemia (constipation) is experienced.
Adolescence period is the period when the people experience the fastest growth and development after the infancy. Girls start this period in about 11-12 ages and boys 13-14 ages. The most important need for this period is calcium. Because bone development is seen in this period the most, it continues until the ages of 30 and stops. Therefore, people in this period must consume 5 portions of milk and milk products (milk, yogurt, cheese, ayran, kefir) on average in a day. Moreover, the need for other nutritional elements must also be met, people must stay away from fast food and bad eating habits.