Teenagers often experience common micronutrient deficiencies due to rapid growth, poor dietary choices, and busy lifestyles. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

Iron deficiency is prevalent in teenagers, especially in girls, due to increased iron needs during menstruation. Encouraging the consumption of iron-rich foods such as lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals can help prevent this deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency is also common among teenagers, particularly those who spend limited time outdoors. Including vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy products in their diet, along with safe sun exposure, can aid in addressing this deficiency.

Another prevalent deficiency is in calcium, crucial for bone development during the teenage years. Incorporating dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified non-dairy milk alternatives can help teenagers meet their calcium needs.

Furthermore, educating teenagers about the importance of consuming a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help address multiple micronutrient deficiencies, including those of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as various B vitamins.

References:

1. "Iron and Iron Deficiency." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/micronutrient-malnutrition/micronutrients/index.html
2. "Vitamin D." National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
3. "Calcium." National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/