Future-ready: The importance of nutrition during adolescence

Adolescence, often overlooked in health initiatives, presents a crucial phase to address nutrition to prevent issues like undernutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies. Addressing deficiencies in calcium, iron, protein, and other key nutrients is essential to support bone health, cognitive function, and overall development. Preparing adolescents, particularly girls, for future pregnancy involves establishing healthy dietary habits that will influence long-term health outcomes. Investing in adolescent health yields "triple dividends"—immediate benefits for adolescents, improved productivity in adult life, and reduced health risks for future generations.