Influence of water- and fat-soluble vitamins on oral health in adolescence

Adolescence is a period of transition between childhood and adulthood. A number of functional, physical, psychological, sexual, and emotional changes occur. This important period introduces the adolescent to the world of adults. Cognitive and social changes often bring worry and anxiety not only to the adolescents, but also to their family. Due to the onset of puberty, skeletal mass, body fat, and lean body mass increase. This leads to the need to increase caloric food intake. Vitamins are necessary for the processing of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids) and micronutrients (minerals). They take part in the formation of blood cells, hormones, and genetic material, in the transmission of nerve impulses, and in maintaining the immune system. Vitamins act as coenzymes to help enzymes perform their functions in the body.