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New report finds key nutrients in red meat help fuel growth spurt during puberty
October 2007
According to leading Australian nutrition experts, the key nutrients found in lean red meat – protein, zinc and iron - are helping to fuel the rapid rates of growth and development that occur during adolescence.
During the adolescent growth spurt boys gain about 20 centimetres in height and 20 kilograms in weight while girls gain around 16 centimetres and 16 kilograms. With requirements for key nutrients - protein, iron and zinc - increasing on the journey from childhood to puberty, a new scientific review has warned teenagers who make poor food choices are at an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.
The new review titled The Role of Red Meat in Healthy Australian Diets, was published as a supplement to the September edition of Nutrition & Dietetics, and states that low zinc intakes have been observed in adolescents of both sexes while iron deficiency is more common in female adolescents. A recent study conducted at the Australian Institute of Sport found that more than half of young female athletes were iron deficient.
According to Professor Linda Tapsell, a member of the report’s Editorial Committee, symptoms of iron deficiency include feelings of lethargy, concentration difficulties and unusually pale skin. Symptoms associated with zinc deficiency include hair loss, dermatitis, delayed wound healing, recurrent infections, poor appetite and weight loss.
“If you have noticed any of these symptoms in yourself or a friend or family member you are best off consulting your doctor for some expert medical advice,” Professor Tapsell advised.
“Lean red meat is an ideal source of fuel for growing teenage bodies and can make a vital contribution to healthy eating. For instance, just 150g can provide teenagers with up to 25 percent of the recommended daily intake of iron, nearly 50 percent of zinc and 70 percent of vitamin B12,” explained Professor Linda Tapsell.
“For this reason 3-4 serves of lean red meat per week is an important component of a healthy diet for those of all ages, including teenagers,” she added.
Note: Meat & Livestock Australia commissioned this report on the Role of Red Meat in Healthy Australian Diets, which was peer-reviewed by an independent Editorial Committee. Meat & Livestock Australia is a corporate partner of the Dietitians Association of Australia.