Nutrition and Growth

Question
Hello, I have been wondering about how my daily diet will effect my growth, and in looking around online I have not been able to find any information which can be applied to my specific situation. I thought perhaps an expert such as yourself could give me a hand. I am 16 years old, and since I was 15 I have had rather unconventional eating habits. For a time I ate very little day to day, such as a bowl of pretzels or a meal replacement for the missed nutrition. This was mostly because I just wasn't ever hungry from worries and a like. Recently however I have been eating only a very select group of fruits and vegetables because they are the only ones I like. I do however eat them in a fairly large quantity. I don't weigh very much at all, but that's to be expected I suppose, and hasn't effected my health so that doesn't worry me. I am worried that in only eating these fruits and vegetables I may be missing something I need. I asked my doctor and he said it was ok, but I didn't get into much detail and he seemed pretty quick to dismiss it as worry. I do take a multivitamin and I will admit I do have things like coffee and espresso now and then although I've heard that these won't effect growth even though caffeine is no good for me. Right now I'm somewhere between 5 foot 6 and five foot 8, my Mom is 5 feet and my dad is 6 foot 2. So my question is based on my situation, will my growth be effected by what I eat, or am I on track with my height? Any information, thoughts or opinions you could give me would be greatly appreciated as this is an issue that has been weighing on my mind. I thank you and feel privileged that I have the chance to ask a real expert.

Answer
Jeff,
It is impossible for me to know if your eating habits are or will effect your stature or height for certain.  Without knowing more information about you, your exact dietary intake and how your height has progressed through the years that would be impossible.  BUT that is something your doctor should be able to help you with.
I can tell you that nutrition does play a significant role in the proper development and functioning of your body!! Not getting enough of the right nutrition while your body is continuing to develop can have negative effects.  
You NEED to be eating from ALL of the food groups and getting enough calories for your body to develop normally and properly!  I cannot stress that enough.  A multivitamin will NOT REPLACE FOOD GROUPS.  A supplement is only that, a supplement!  It should only supplement an already healthy diet.  Food is full of nutrients besides just vitamins and minerals that our body needs to function properly.  Just eating fruits and vegetables will NOT provide your body with all it needs.  You are missing so much more.  I wouldn't worry about caffeine when you are not even eating from all the food groups and not getting the calories your body needs.  I do not think your doctor should have dismissed what you told him so quickly!!
You really need to take a look at your diet and do some restructuring.  Not getting the proper nutrition now can definitely have some negative impacts in the future and even now.  
I would highly recommend you ask your parents about seeking the help of a registered dietitian.  You can ask your doctor for a referral or go to www.eatright.org and find one in your area.  You would benefit greatly to have a professional sit down with you and really explain WHY nutrition is so important and how to make the changes in your diet that you need for good health and proper developement.
Hope that helps! You really shouldn't take nutrition and what you eat daily lightly!!
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

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