title: The cost of successful adolescent growth and development in girls in relation to iron and vitamin A status.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brabin
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Brabin
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D014801:Vitamin A; D007501:Iron