Conclusion: Supplement use in adolescents

It is important for dietitians to be aware of supplement use in adolescents. The reality is that adolescents are using supplements and some may be dangerous to their health. Adolescents may also have the misconception that vitamin and mineral supplements can be taken in place of a healthy diet. Food first should be our motto when dealing with teens and supplement recommendations should be reserved for special cases such as intestinal or digestive disorders. Food provides many things that supplements lack such as fiber and antioxidants. Furthermore, the bioavalibility of vitamins and minerals in the pill form may be less than vitamins and minerals from food. The sooner teens start following a healthy diet the more likely they are to eat healthy as an adult. A variety of intervention programs such as the more is better campaign should be carried out to encourage healthy eating among adolescents. The possibility of required nutrition education in schools should be explored.