Impacts of Acquired Iron Deficiency on Adolescent Health

Adolescence is a period of growth and physical and emotional development for which, among other factors, it is necessary to ingest nutrients in sufficient quantity and quality to supply all the demands of the organism. As it is a phase of nutritional vulnerability, adolescents need to have their nutritional status monitored to prevent the lack of micronutrients from interfering with their full growth and development. Iron is a fundamental micronutrient for humans and its lack can lead to several physical and emotional impairments that interfere with good health conditions. This article presents the characteristics of the adolescent's growth and development and the consequences that can be caused by acquired iron deficiency during the second decade of life, with repercussions that can extend throughout adult life. It also proposes measures to prevent or minimize this nutritional problem among adolescents.