Adolescents are those who come in the age-group of 10 to 19 years. They constitute one-fifth of the total population of India. They need more attention because of the following reasons:
(i) They are the most important resource for the future.
(ii) Nutirtion requirements of adolescents are higher than those of a normal child or adult.
(iii) Poor nutrition can lead to deficiency and stunted growth. But the diet available for the Indian adolescents is inadequate in all nutrients. A large number of adolescent grils suffer from anemia.