Nutrition of School-aged Children and Adolescents

Proper nutrition and regular physical activity should be promoted from early childhood and continued during pre-school and school age. School children and adolescents are in the period of intensive growth and development. Considering the amount of information they need to memorize, their brains are hungrier than their bodies, as they need oxygen, energy, key nutrients, especially iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and the B-vitamin complex. The textbook includes: characteristics of school-aged children and adolescents, nutrition guidelines, nutritive needs and the influence of different factors on food habits, as well as examples of nutrient-dense school snacks. The book is intended for all stakeholders in the process of children’s education and development, parents and children as well as those availing of scientific research as guidelines. This is a way to invest in the future of both our communities and of our state, because investing in children’s health and education is a must.