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Background
Autism
Down syndrome and Genetic Conditions
Adolescents
Conclusion
References

Adolescence is often the stage in development where children begin to test various identities. The following studies examine possible reasons for why adolescence utilize CAM nutritional supplements more than other age groups. 

One study examined the attitudes homeless youth had toward CAM therapies. The authors Breuner and et al. published "Alternative medicine use by youth" in 1998 and is was recently referenced in a Pediatrics Review in February 2009.  The authors suggest that homeless youth are a vulnerable population often exposed to abuse, violence, and infectious diseases. The attitudes of this population leads many of these adolescents to be apprehensive toward conventional institutions like medicine. The authors conducted a survey of 157 adolescents 14-21yo in Seattle over 3 month period in 1998. They found:

• 70% used CAM therapies and 81% allopathic medicine.
• 76% used vitamins, 73%used herbs, 41% used diet 
• 53% referred by friends
• 44% felt CAM are more "natural or organic" than conventional medicine.
• 87% reported being satisfied with the CAM therapies.

The next study by Wilson KM and et al published in the Journal of Adolescent Health in 2006 examines the reasons adolescents in general may use CAM nutritional supplements. The authors noted that trend appears to follow body image issues in this age group. The authors surveyed1280 children (14-19yo) and found the following results:

• 79% of adolescents had used CAM therapies at some point in their life.
• 46% have used CAM nutritional supplements in their life
• The most common used CAM supplements included: weight loss supplements, creatine, ginko, zinc, ginseng, and echinacea
• Home remedies were used more by adolescents of Hispanic and African-American background.

Summary

Adolescence is a transitional period in life and children seem to be both vulnerable to influences and more willing to try alternative medical therapies. It is important for clinicians and parents to be aware of these factors. It appears that pressures to conform to a body image leads to the use of CAM supplements for many adolescents. Lastly, vulnerable groups of adolescents (eg. homeless teens) may have a distrust of conventional medicine and turn to CAM therapies and supplements as an alternative.