Introduction - How and when does a human grow?
By forming new cells through cell division, the body grows. Mitotic cell division occurs in every cell type except reproductive cells and serves to renew body substance and promote growth.
To divide and multiply, cells need energy in the form of nutrients. Only then can they perform their tasks efficiently. If sufficient nutrients are not available, an undersupply occurs. Cells can only divide more slowly or not at all and/or errors can occur during cell division.
The faster cells divide, the more body substance is present and the more the body can grow. This is why cell division in growing children and adolescents occurs much faster than in adults. Toddlers up to three years old grow the most. After that, growth continues more slowly but steadily until there is another growth spurt during puberty. After that, a person is generally considered fully grown and cell division, and thus metabolism, slows down.
Metabolism and oxidative stress
The everyday metabolic processes, including cell division, produce free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules that lack an electron. They therefore try to steal an electron from other molecules. If they succeed, they leave behind another molecule with a missing electron: a new free radical. This causes a chain reaction and oxidative stress.
The faster the metabolism, the more free radicals are formed, comparable to a car that burns more fuel the faster it drives.
Fortunately, the human body has so-called antioxidants, molecules with an extra electron that can neutralize free radicals by donating their extra electron. However, if the number of free radicals in the body increases, for example due to a greatly accelerated metabolism during childhood and adolescence or unhealthy external influences (UV radiation, environmental toxins), the body's own antioxidants are no longer sufficient for neutralization. The result: oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage, faulty cell division, and restricted cell function.
Increased nutrient requirements during growth
Especially during growth spurts, the metabolism of children and adolescents runs at full speed. This means that cell division occurs very rapidly. For this, cells need sufficient nutrients; more than adults, whose cell division is slower.
Additionally, accelerated metabolism during growth increases free radicals. To prevent oxidative stress, therefore, adequate supply of the body with antioxidants is very important.
What parents can look out for
The most important foundation is a varied diet in line with the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE): plenty of vegetables and fruit, whole-grain products, pulses, dairy products and regular fish. Regular meals together, plenty of water instead of sweet drinks and lots of exercise in the fresh air support healthy development.
Conclusion
During growth, the bodies of children and adolescents have special requirements. A balanced diet is therefore particularly important during this time. Your paediatrician will answer questions about your child's diet and nutrient supply.
The content of this article is for general information only and does not replace medical or pharmaceutical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
