The cost of successful adolescent growth and development in girls in relation to iron and vitamin A status.
The role of iron and vitamin A in adolescent growth and development is not well described. During adolescence iron requirements are increased, reaching a maximum at peak growth, but after menarche, menstrual iron loss must also be replaced. An observed rise in retinol-binding protein concentrations at puberty level 4 indicates a role for vitamin A in sexual maturation. Iron and vitamin A deficiencies may slow the tempo of growth. Conversely, for girls on marginal diets, an extended catch-up growth period may lead to depletion of these nutrients. The costs of achieving growth may also include cephalopelvic disproportion in girls becoming pregnant and increased risk of menorrhagia.
Brabin
L
L
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK.
Brabin
B J
BJ
D000293:Adolescent / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D008572:Menarche / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000502:physiology; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000503:physiopathology
D014801:Vitamin A; D007501:Iron