Which statement about the teenage diet is true?

Which statement about the teenage diet is true?

• A. Adolescents are fond of eating fast food at restaurants.
• B. Adolescents require low amounts of protein.
• C. Adolescents need vitamin supplements.
• D. Adolescents need high amounts of calories.

Answer: (D)

During adolescence, rapid growth and puberty create much higher energy needs, so calories become the fuel for growing bones, muscles, and tissues as well as daily activity. Because expenditure is elevated, teens generally require a higher daily caloric intake, especially if they are active. This is why the statement about needing high amounts of calories is true. It’s also important to recognize that protein needs rise too to support growth, so saying they require low amounts of protein isn’t accurate. Vitamin supplements aren’t routinely needed if the diet is balanced and varied, and while many teens do eat fast food, that habit isn’t a defining or necessary part of adolescent nutrition and can displace more nutrient-dense foods.

During adolescence, rapid growth and puberty create much higher energy needs, so calories become the fuel for growing bones, muscles, and tissues as well as daily activity. Because expenditure is elevated, teens generally require a higher daily caloric intake, especially if they are active. This is why the statement about needing high amounts of calories is true. It’s also important to recognize that protein needs rise too to support growth, so saying they require low amounts of protein isn’t accurate. Vitamin supplements aren’t routinely needed if the diet is balanced and varied, and while many teens do eat fast food, that habit isn’t a defining or necessary part of adolescent nutrition and can displace more nutrient-dense foods.