Teens, like all people, need to remember to consider the whole picture, she said. Eating habits have a high correlation to obesity rates, and forming positive eating habits as young adults will reap benefits throughout the rest of their lives, she said.

The meal plans used in the study included increased amounts of fruits and vegetables along with the increased number of lean beef, fish or poultry servings.

"We really wanted to introduce these teens to new fruits, vegetables and whole grains. We wanted to show them that food can taste good and be healthy," Snetselaar said.

The meals suggested for participants in the study incorporated healthy foods that were easy to prepare, she said. Researchers wanted to give these teens, and their families, new ideas on how to prepare different foods.

High levels of heme iron are especially important for teenagers who participate in sports, and who are experiencing growth spurts and other changes during puberty, Snetselaar noted.

The study was funded by a grant from the National Cattleman's Association and a grant from National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), General Clinical Research Centers Programs, of the National Institutes of Health.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa Health Science Relations, 5135 Westlawn, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1178

CONTACT(S): Media: David Pedersen, 319-335-8032, david-pedersenuiowa