Most teens aren't getting enough key nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D

There are particular challenges getting teens to eat a balanced diet. They’re not generally concerned about future health and often follow trends rather than listen to science

One way to get teens on board with a balanced diet is to emphasise the health impacts that really matter to them – motivate them with the message that Vitamins A and C are important for skin.

Irish teens have inadequate intakes of some key nutrients, according to a recent Irish Universities Nutritional Alliance study, which reported on dietary intakes of 428 Irish teenagers aged 13-18.

Fifty-one percent have insufficient calcium intake, and the figure climbs to 94% for inadequate amounts of Vitamin D. Shortfalls in other nutrients were also found, including vitamin C, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin A.