At the age of 12-16 years, gender differences are formed, hormonal changes in the body occur. A group of biologically active compounds called “vitamins” regulates these complex processes. For adolescents in the most difficult period from the physiological point of view, it is important to get all the necessary substances and components. You can help the fragile body to endure the burdens of puberty, which are exacerbated by eating disorders. We will touch upon only one component of this process - replenishment of the stock of active substances with the help of pharmaceutical preparations.
Vitamin requirements and age differences
When purchasing vitamins for a 16-year-old teenager in a pharmacy, you need to pay attention to the following. During this period, for a number of active substances (A, E, B5, B12), needs are identical to or exceed the indicators of an adult organism. Other vitamins (K, C, folic acid) at 16 years old should be taken as much as in 14-15 years. Adolescents 15–16 years of age especially require active substances that are responsible for:
- the activity of the glands of internal and external secretion;
- immune responses;
- blood formation;
- skeleton formation;
- strengthening the walls of arteries, veins, capillaries;
- skin cleansing;
- protection of hair and nails.
Causes of hypo - and vitamin deficiencies
During the period of growth, development and puberty with significant mental and physical stress in the body, the need for vitamins increases. It is difficult to provide it in the diet without taking pharmacy drugs. Vitamin manufacturers are trying to take into account age-related features, possible health problems caused by the lack of individual components in food. The amount of nutrients in them is significantly reduced during the period of harvesting of raw materials, its storage, during heat treatment.
Among vitamins, there is a group that is not synthesized in the body. Some are formed in insufficient quantities. Some active substances are quickly excreted from the body with metabolic products (water-soluble) or poorly absorbed due to digestive problems.
ABC of health: A, B, C, D, E
All known vitamins (about 15 items) are combined in two classes: fat-soluble, for example A, D, E, K, and water-soluble. The second group includes representatives of group B, as well as C and a number of other compounds (see table below). Among vitamins there are hormones or their precursors, active centers of biological catalysts (enzymes, enzymes). We list the most important vitamins for adolescents (in parentheses is a symbol):
- Retinol (A). It supports the health of the integument of the body, eyes, provides antioxidant protection, counteracts infections and cancer. With a shortage, twilight vision is disturbed, the skin peels off, and susceptibility to infectious diseases increases.
- Ascorbic acid (C). Strengthens the immune system, contributes to the fight against infections. Deficiency in the body leads to the vulnerability of gums, frequent colds, fatigue.
- Cyanocobalamin (B12). Participates in the formation of red blood cells, has an immuno-modulating effect. The skin with a lack of vitamin A is pale, muscles are sluggish.
- Calciferol (D). Promotes the formation of bone substance, regulates the absorption of calcium, improves immunity. With deficiency, weak, susceptible to bone fractures, caries.
- Menadione (K). Regulates the process of blood coagulation.
- Tocopherol (E). Provides the functioning of the circulatory system, binds free radicals. Vitamin deficiencies lead to digestive problems.
- Folic Acid (B9). Participates in the formation of red blood cells, regulates protein metabolism. Deficiency causes anemia, lethargy, irritability, poor appetite.
How Vitamins Help Stress at School
Vitamins for a teenager of 15 years should include substances that help with significant physical and mental stress, malnutrition. Usually at this age they complete the main course of secondary school, which includes about two dozen academic disciplines. Many teenagers still attend clubs and sections, go in for sports and participate in competitions. A weak body physically can not cope with such stress. Add to this nutritional disorders, poor environmental conditions, an abundance of GMOs in food, preservatives, and dyes.
In these cases, adolescents of 15 years can take multivitamin complexes for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes in 1-2 tablets or 1-2 tablets 3 times a day. The course lasts 3-4 weeks.
Vitamins for a teenager: improving memory, attention, fighting stress
Active substances in the multivitamin are necessary for increased mental stress, nervous exhaustion. They improve metabolic processes (including in brain tissue), facilitate concentration and memorization. In such cases, vitamins are suitable for memory of adolescents. These are Aviton - GinkgoVita, Biovital (tablets), Bio-Max, Vitrum Plus (tablets).
The main purpose of such complexes is the prevention and treatment of hypo- and vitamin deficiencies. They are used as part of the combined treatment of many diseases to increase resistance to infections, stress, and adverse living conditions. Vitamins for teens do not replace a complete diet. They only supplement it with active substances, a deficiency of which can adversely affect the state of the body.
Appearance and health problems
When deciding which vitamins to drink for a teenager, it is important not to make a mistake with the choice of drugs. This is a task with several unknowns. There are tests that determine the need for individual compounds.
Very often, external signs signal internal dysfunction. For example, changes in the color and texture of nails (reduced strength, white spots, layering). Skin and hair problems can mean a deficiency of certain vitamins in the body. In pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription, syrups, dragees, tablets containing the active substances that are required by the body of a teenager to eliminate such symptoms are available.
The best vitamins for teens - multicomplexes
The active components necessary for the body mutually complement or enhance the action of each other. This is very important for the proper assimilation of all elements. In addition, a teenager is relieved of the need to drink several tablets if he takes a daily complex vitamin preparation from the following list:
- “Vitrum teenager”;
- Vitrum Junior
- Complivit Asset;
- Unicap M;
- "Duovit";
- "Multi-Tabs Teen";
- "Multivita plus";
- Biovital;
- "Multibionta";
- Vitrum Circus:
- "Vitergin."
Before using multivitamins, it is recommended to consult a specialist for advice. Some components of adolescents may have individual intolerance.
The best way to stay healthy
Daily intake of vitamins for adolescents is not only a quick and convenient method of replenishing the reserves of active substances in the body. It is also the best option for the additional production of compounds that improve well-being, prevent diseases, cope with ailments.
A textbook example is ascorbic acid (vitamin C). He studied the properties of the substance Linus Pauling, a famous American chemist, winner of two Alfred Nobel prizes. It was he who established and proved by his own example that vitamin C in large doses helps with infectious (colds) diseases. The disadvantage of this method is the laxative effect of increased doses of ascorbic acid.
Conclusion
In optimal quantities, vitamins allow you to normalize all body functions, which is especially important during puberty. The body of a teenager especially needs protection from the disadvantage associated with a lack of active substances.