Food Consumption Pattern And Anthropometric Status Of Adolescent In Umuaii1a South Local Government Area Of Abia State.:- Ugulu, Patience K

ABSTRACT

Nutrition is a fundamental pillar of human life, health and development across the entire life span (WHO. 2017). Nutrition is the sum total ofthe processes involved in the intake and utilization of food substances by living organisms, including ingestion, digestion, absorption, transport and metabolism of nutrients found in food (Melvin, 2018). Adequate nutrition during adolescence is fundamental to the development ofthe adolescent. Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood, the age group within the range is 10 - 19 years of age (WHO, 2000). It is an important period of growth as well as establishment of healthy balanced behaviour for balanced nutrient intakes. A balanced nutrient intake promotes appropriate physical growth, development, and plays an important role in maintaining mental and emotional stability (Patal et al., 2017).