Nutrition For Growing Boys

Boys nutritional needs change as they grow older, bigger and taller. Boys often have high protein requirements and can need between 2,300 and 2,900 calories per day as they grow so ensuring they get as much of these through healthy choices can in itself be a challenge.

Other factors highlighting the critical importance of nutrition are summarised below.

• Research suggests that poor nutrition during pregnancy can lead to adult diseases including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes.

• In the first 12 months after your child is born, up to 30% of their nutritional intake relates to growth.

• During adolescent years, boys can gain approximately 20 centimetres in height and 20 kilograms in weight.

• Obesity is an epidemic around the world and studies support the link between overweight children becoming obese as adults.

Getting the balance right between energy requirements, protein levels, fat levels, and carbohydrates, let alone special requirements for your child during pregnancy, when they are infants and as they progress through adolescence to adulthood can be a challenge.

For more information and other resources have a look at the following links to assist you in making an informed decision and undertaking the next steps.

This article “Growing Boys and Nutrition Needs” provides a good basic overview of the nutritional needs of boys with specific examples of getting the mix and balance right.

“Nutrition in Children” is also an interesting read as it discusses the importance of nutrition as well as the different elements to consider.

As highlighted in these articles the individual needs will be different for each child so consider discussing with your local doctor or make an appointment with a Dietician at your local Community Health Service.