Nutrition and food security

Adolescence is a critical period in the life course for protecting nutrition and food security. In this article, we first define the nutrient requirements of adolescents including macro- and micronutrients emerging from healthy diverse dietary patterns in combination with other health behaviors such as sleep and physical activity. Next, we delve into the physiological processes occurring during adolescence that depend on nutrition and food security: growth and body composition changes; bone development; and neurodevelopment. Nutrition inequities prevail across many populations arising from social determinants and systemic biases. From proximal to distal determinants, the complexity of food environments and food choices is presented to deepen our understanding of adolescent diet and health. Finally, we discuss evidence-based programs and policies that protect adolescent nutrition, including behavior change interventions, school-based programs, dietary guidelines, and other policies intended to safeguard adolescent nutrition and well-being.