The Relationship between Energy and Protein Intake and Nutritional Status in Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescents are an age group vulnerable to nutritional problems due to changes in increasing nutritional needs and unbalanced diets. Inadequate energy and protein intake can impact nutritional status, growth, and development in adolescents. This study aims to analyze the relationship between energy and protein intake and nutritional status in adolescents. This study used a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. The study sample consisted of 120 adolescents selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data on energy and protein intake were obtained through a 24-hour food recall method, while nutritional status was measured using body mass index (BMI) based on age. Data analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test. The results showed that most respondents had insufficient energy and protein intake. There was a significant relationship between energy intake and nutritional status (p<0.05), as well as a significant relationship between protein intake and nutritional status (p<0.05). Adolescents with adequate energy and protein intake tended to have normal nutritional status compared to those with insufficient intake. The conclusion of this study indicates that energy and protein intake play an important role in determining adolescent nutritional status. Therefore, nutritional education interventions are needed to increase adolescent awareness of the importance of a balanced diet. Further research is recommended to explore other factors that influence adolescent nutritional status.