EFFECTS OF ADOLESCENTS' NUTRITION ON THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

For normal growth and development, adolescents need proper nutrition, which provides for the intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and other useful substances in the body that meets physiological norms; observance of the time of food intake, its rational distribution by weight, calorie content and volume. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of adolescents' nutrition on their quality of life. The works of russian and foreign scientists in the field of food hygiene, as well as regulatory and organizational documentation were taken as an information base. The survey method served as the main research method. The objects of the study were 15 ± 2 years old adolescents. According to the results of the study, it was revealed that 16.5% of the surveyed adolescents have chronic diseases, including 9.7% - diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, with 7.8% of stomach diseases and 1.9% of intestinal diseases. The calculation of the body mass index (BMI) shows: 16.5% of respondents are overweight as a result of a large amount of carbohydrates in their diet, 12.6% are underweight as a result of a lack of protein and fat in their diet. It was found that 35.9% had allergic reactions to food during their life. In 24.3% of respondents, it is possible to assume a lack of vitamin A intake; 10.7% have vitamin C deficiency. Some of the subjects have symptoms of vitamin B1, B2, PP deficiency. The study revealed that schoolchildren do not receive enough information about proper nutrition from parents and teachers, as well as from specialists in the field of healthy nutrition.