Also, as far as the reluctance to take supplements, I hope you're not one of those people who equate nutritional supplements with things like steroids.
Nutritional supplements are classified as foods. Think of them as the part of the foods you're already eating that do the thing you want, without all the fats and sugars and junk that usually come with regular food.
In your case, they'd be perfect. They're there to target a specific deficiency you have -- in this case, nutrients that promote growth.
Remember: they're supplements -- they're there to supplement (help) your current dietary limitations and to supplement (help) your efforts in reaching your fitness goals.