Abstract

In this study, we sought to elucidate the association between nutritional consciousness and its influence on adolescent health by immersing into the literature. As a crucial period of physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, it is important for adolescents to have adequate nutrition. The review identified eighteen studies and included these in a quality assessment that examined the role of adolescents’ nutrition knowledge, dietary behaviour and health status. BMI was associated with poor nutritional knowledge with worse choices made, resulting in obesity, malnourishment, anemia and other NCDs. In contrast, higher nutritional literacy was significantly associated with optimal dietary practices, improved physical growth and better academic performance. The review also addressed the involvement of schools, families and media in learning and adopting nutritional knowledge and behavior. Research gaps were found in regional inequities and long-term effects of early nutrition interventions. The research recommended there should be more efforts to improve nutrition knowledge through formal education, while public health campaigns targeting teenagers should be encouraged.