Growth and Development of Athletes

Growth and Development Patterns

Age 0 to 6

These ages are where very rapid growth happens during infancy.

Age 6 to 10(the start of the growth spurt)

These ages are when steady growth happens. An average of 5–6 cm per year.

Ages 10 to 12(for boys 14)

These ages are where rapid growth happens. In the first year of the growth spurt spurt the average growth for boys is 7 cm and then about 9 cm in the second year and around 6 and 8 cm in girls. You also start begin puberty.

Ages 12 to 16

These are the ages where you stop growing and end puberty. You reach your maximum height.
  • Some athletes mature faster than others not because there is something wrong with them but its in their genetics.
Nutrients Needed

  • Calcium:
  • Iron:
Iron helps carry oxygen to all the different parts of the body that need it.
lowfat dairy products
  • milk
  • cheese
  • eggs
  • dried fruits
  • leafy green vegatables
  • fortified whole grains

meat
  • lean meat
  • chicken
  • tuna
  • salmon
Calculate your BMI here: https://www.bcm.edu/bodycomplab/Flashapps/bmiVAgeChartpage.html
Nutrient deficiencies
The nutrients in young athletes that are often deficient are carbohydrates, calcium, vitamin B6, folate and iron.
  • A shortage in carbohydrates leads to insufficient glycogen storage and exhaustion Both effect your performance and forces the body to rely on an alternative source of energy.
  • Glucose is needed for your body function during exercise. Your body will use protein storage for energy if glucose isn't available. However, your body would more likely use carbohydrates or fats for energy.
  • The correct amount of intake of calcium is needed to support bone growth, increase bone mass and help nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Insufficient calcium intake can lead to a decrease in bone mass. This can increase the risk for stress fractures and other bone-related injuries.
  • Vitamin B6 and folate are important factors of energy metabolism and blood health. These nutrients are needed for amino acid metabolism. A shortage in vitamin B6 and folate can lead to weakness, muscle soreness, and loss of mental  function for an athlete.
  • Iron is a major factor in the energy metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fats. This is why young athletes who have a shortage of iron may experience weakness or jeopardized immune function during exercise. Iron intake is most important for female athletes. Since girls menstruate, they need more iron in their body. Young athletes who take iron supplements can build up toxic levels of iron. This is why iron supplements should always come from a physician or a registered dietitian.
Sources:
"Nutrition For Female Athletes." Nutrition For Female Athletes. GenneX Healthcare Technologies,Inc., 1999. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.

-Images:
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/uploadedImages/News/Chicago/Images/Science/daily%20protein.jpg

http://www.brianmac.co.uk/pictures/eating/meals.jpg

http://www.sportmanitoba.ca/uploads/MonitoringGrowth(1).pdf

http://www.brianmac.co.uk/pictures/ltad/ltadgraph.jpg