The role of nutrition in maintaining health and physical activity among adolescents assigned to special medical groups.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns of adolescents to develop targeted medical and organizational interventions for optimizing nutrition and physical activity.

Methods: Research was conducted in Astana in the fall of 2024 and involved 162 adolescents aged 15-19 years (mean age: 17.8 ± 0.41 years) who were classified into special medical groups based on preventive health examinations. Dietary data were collected using the World Health Organization-recommended 24-h recall method, and nutrient intake was assessed against national dietary recommendations and Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization standards.

Results: The analysis demonstrated that adolescents in special medical groups had significantly reduced daily caloric intake (p<0.001) and an imbalanced macronutrient profile, characterized by excessive consumption of animal fats and simple carbohydrates alongside insufficient intake of polysaccharides and dietary fiber. Widespread deficiencies in essential micronutrients were observed, particularly in vitamins A, D, B1, B6, B9, C, and E, as well as calcium, iodine, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. These nutritional inadequacies were closely associated with reduced physical endurance, increased fatigue, and lower academic and physical performance, underscoring the urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions.

Conclusions: These findings emphasize the necessity of dietary interventions and tailored physical activity programs to enhance the overall health and functional capacity of adolescents requiring specialized medical supervision.