Stories
Round-up: Five reasons periods need to be part of adolescent nutrition conversations
May 27, 2025
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and rising nutrient needs, with girls facing additional iron requirements due to menstrual losses. This peer-reviewed study examines how well national food-based dietary guidelines and adolescent nutrition programs address the specific needs of adolescents across eight low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia: Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.
The study found that adolescent-specific guidance is often limited, particularly around age- and gender-specific needs, iron supplementation and fortification, adolescent-friendly communication, and equity. The authors call for stronger, more targeted guidance and better alignment between national dietary guidelines and existing nutrition programs.