Question
Does a 15-year-old adolescent still have the potential for height growth? If so, how can it be improved?
Answer
Height development primarily depends on the growth of long bones, which in turn relies on whether the epiphyseal line has completely closed. Generally, by the age of 15, the epiphyseal line has not yet fully closed, so there is still an opportunity for growth. However, there may also be cases of premature closure. It is recommended to first undergo an epiphyseal line examination to determine if it has completely closed. In terms of diet, consuming calcium-rich foods such as lean meat, cartilage, milk, eggs, and shellfish can be beneficial. Additionally, increasing running and jumping exercises can help. Moreover, spending more time outdoors to expose to sunlight can promote the synthesis of vitamin D, which aids in the absorption and utilization of calcium.