Addressing knowledge gaps in adolescent nutrition: Toward advancing public health and sustainable development

Abstract

Adolescence marks a critical period of growth in the life course. Malnutrition among adolescents includes suboptimal dietary intake of macronutrients and micronutrients as well as overweight and obesity linked to poor dietary quality. We discuss adolescent nutrition and outline 3 knowledge gaps toward advancing adolescent health. First, micronutrient and macronutrient supplements have significant potential to improve nutritional status, but information on the most effective implementation strategies is lacking. Second, food system interventions offer a promising avenue to improve access to healthy foods, and school settings may be an important entry point for improving diets. Third, nutrition programs should be combined with delayed pregnancy interventions for greatest impact given the adverse effects of early pregnancy on maternal and infant health and nutrition outcomes. Evidence-based solutions for adolescent nutritional supplementation, food system and dietary intake interventions, and integration with sexual and reproductive health strategies present crucial opportunities for improving adolescent health and well-being. Curr Dev Nutr 2019;3:nzz062.