Height Weight Research Articles

Dietary intake and hair zinc status of persons with severe physical and developmental disabilities

Changes in growth and hair zinc concentrations following a 6 month nutrition rehabilitation study were assessed for 41 (18F and 23M) individuals with severe developmental disabilities. Subjects were classified according to weight-for-height (WH) Z-scores: Group 1 (n=26) <−1.650, Group 2 (n=11) −1.645 to +1.030, Group 3 (n=4) >+1.036. The goal of the nutrition program was to increase, maintain, or decrease the rate of weight gain in each group, respectively. Following the program, mean height-for-age (HA) Z-scores increased in group 1 and group 2. Weight-for-age (WA) Z-scores increased in Group 1 and Group 3. At one year, WA Z-scores increased in Group 1 only. Scalp hair zinc was analyzed by instrumental neutron analysis at baseline and 1 year. All groups had mean hair zinc concentrations above the value (1.07 umols/g) indicative of sub-optimal zinc status. Following the nutrition intervention program: (a) mean dietary zinc intakes (adjusted for 20% absorption) exceeded 66.7% of the Canadian Recommended Intake for greater than 90.9% of subjects; (b) there was no correlation between HA Z-scores and hair zinc values; and (c) hair zinc values were correlated with WA and WH Z-scores in group 1 and WH Z-scores in Group 3. These findings suggest that a stronger association between zinc status and weight in contrast to height.

Anthropometric profile of children aged 0 to 5 years in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Niterói-based Nutritional and Food Surveillance System (SISVAN Niteroi, RJ, Brazil) performed an anthropometric survey which included 2,248 children from zero to 60 months of age in September 1992, during a mass vaccination day program. The purpose was to determine the nutritional status of children from that city. The indexes used were Weight for Age (WA), Weight for Height (WH), and Height for Age (HA), and the reference population was that of the NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics, USA), adopted and recommended by the WHO. The indexes were analyzed using the classifications by Gomez and Z-Scores. Prevalence of undernutrition was calculated on the basis of the proportion of children with Z-scores under -2.00, using HAZ to stabilish chronic forms and WHZ for acute ones. A data base was built using Epi Info, version 5.0 1b, and a special program from CDC (Centers for Disease Control) was used to calculate anthropometric indexes. The results showed as much as 20.1 % of undernutrition, including all forms from the Gomez classification. In the city as a whole, 6.8% had HAZ under -2.00. The results indicated a serious situation of chronic undernutrition that demands continuous nutritional surveillance in Niteroi, and especially in the city's Eastern District.

Climate change and vector-borne diseases distribution

Global climate change has the potential to disrupt agricultural systems, undermine household socioeconomic status, and shape the prevalence and distribution of diseases. Each of these changes may influence children's nutritional status, which is sensitive to food availability, access, and utilization, and which may have lasting consequences for later-life health and socioeconomic outcomes. This paper contributes to the emerging literature on climate and child health by studying the effects of temperature and precipitation exposures on children's height and weight in Indonesia. Drawing on five rounds of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) implemented between 1993 and 2015, we estimate fixed-effects regression models of height-for-age (HFA) and weight-for-height (WFH) among samples of children ages 24–59 months and 0–23 months, respectively. We test for heterogeneity in these effects across sub-populations expected to vary in their vulnerability. Results show that delays in monsoon onset are consistently associated with worse child health outcomes. Delays in monsoon onset during the prenatal period are associated with reduced child height among children age 2–4 years. The weight of young (<2 years) children is adversely affected by delays in the most recent monsoon season, and this relationship is particularly strong among residents of Java. Overall, our results underline the need for interventions that protect children's nutrition and underlying health against the effects of climate change.

Dietary intake and anthropometric status of persons with severe physical and developmental disabilities

The dietary intakes and anthropometric status of 33 females and 33 males, aged 6 to 31 years, with severe developmental disabilities were assessed prior to and following a 6 month nutrition rehabilitation program. Dietary intake was based on 3-day weighed food records. Indices of growth and body composition were derived from weight, height, mid-arm circumference, triceps, biceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold measurements. Reference data from NHANES I and NHANES II were used to compare and classify subjects according to anthropometric Z-scores of growth and body composition. Group 1 (n=34), goal to gain weight, consisted of residents with weight-for-height (WH) Z-scores <−1.650, (<5th percentile WH); group 2 (n=21), goal to maintain the present rate of weight gain, had WH Z-scores ranging from −1.645 to +1.030 (5th to 85th percentile WH); group 3 (n=11), goal to slow down the rate of weight gain, had WH Z-scores >+1.036 (>85th percentile). All subjects received individualized diets. Following the nutrition rehabilitation program, increases in mean height-for-age (p≤0.01) and upper-arm fat area (p≤0.05) Z-scores were evident in all groups. Group 1 showed an increase in mean weight-for-age Z-scores (p≤0.01). Mean weight gain was 1.2 kg for group 1 (4%) and 1.1 kg for group 2 (3.1%). Increases were observed in Z-scores for triceps skinfolds (p≤0.001) (group 1), mid-arm circumference and subscapular skinfolds (p≤0.05) (group 2). Energy intake increased in group 1 (p<0.001). At 6 months, the proportion of subjects with dietary intakes of all nutrients ≥66.7% of recommended intakes increased from 78.8% to 90.9% for group 1, 90.5% to 95.2% for group 2, and 75.0% to 87.5% for group 3. These results provide information on the body composition of persons with severe disabilities and demonstrate that a nutritional rehabilitation program can effect weight gain in this population.

Growth and body composition of periurban Guatemalan children in relation to zinc status: a cross-sectional study

In a study of periurban Guatemalan school-children (89 males, 73 females) aged 81.5 +/- 7.0 mo (mean +/- SD), height, weight, arm circumference, and triceps-skinfold-thickness (TSF) measurements were examined in relation to plasma and hair zinc concentrations, plasma and red blood cell alkaline phosphatase activities, recognition thresholds for salt (RTS), delayed-cutaneous hypersensitivity response to seven recall skin test antigens, and cognitive measures. Children were stunted [median height-for-age (HA) Z score -1.49] but not wasted [median weight-for-height (WH) Z score 0.20], with median midarm muscle area (MAMA) and midarm-fat area (MAFA) Z scores of -0.57 and -0.35, respectively. Of the children, 63.5% of males and 44.1% of females had hair zinc < 1.68 mumol/g (P < 0.05); 12.3% of males and 1.5% of females had plasma zinc < 10.71 mumol/L (P < 0.05). Children with hair zinc < 1.68 mumol/g had higher (P < 0.05) medians for WA Z and WH Z scores, RTS, and phytic acid intake than did those with hair zinc > or = 1.68 mumol/g. Zinc status explained some of the variance in growth (HA, WA, and WH Z scores), body composition (MAFA Z scores), and taste acuity. Suboptimal zinc status arose partly from diets low in readily available zinc.

Testing for sectoral differences in child anthropometric status in Zimbabwe: a comment

Using data from the 1988 Demographic and Health Survey of Zimbabwe (ZDHS) the author analyzes the incidence of malnutrition in Zimbabwe. The author posits that the statistical analysis of Loewenson in Machonaland in 1981 and 1983 is weak and maybe even untrue; Loewenson reports that the poorest health status was n commercial farm areas. In 1988 there is no difference in the incidence of stunting among children in communal areas and on large commercial farms nationally. Children in resettlement areas are significantly shorter than other children in the rural sectors. The differences in anthropomorphic status of children in Zimbabwe may be due to differences in levels of income the quality of the health environment and the level of infrastructure. Resettlement areas particularly lack infrastructure. Future research should focus on the determinants of malnutrition and interventions through private and public investment to reduce malnutrition rather than the polemics of Loewenson on the need for public control of the national wealth. Data were obtained on height for age (HA) as a longterm measure of nutritional status and weight for height (WH) as a short-term measure. The trends were that the incidence of wasting (WH) was lower in mining and urban areas but the differences in chi-square between sectors was very small in 1981 and 1983. In 1988 differences between urban and 3 rural sectors were small and insignificant. In the analysis regressing WH on a variable for each sector except communal areas there is no significant difference in WH but urban children have significantly higher mass given height than rural children. In the regression that includes parental education as a proxy for income-earning potential and socioeconomic status and childs age and gender urban children are still heavier given height. In the comparison of HA in 1981 there were significant differences across the 4 sectors in Mashonaland Central but the stunting in urban areas was 50% less than in mining areas which was 50% of the rural sector. The difference between communal and commercial farming areas was <10%. In 1983 stunting was reduced by 50% in commercial areas and reduced slightly in communal areas and other sectors were the same. When an additional commercial farm area was added in 1983 the incidence of stunting was 3 times that of other farms suggesting heterogeneity within sectors. In 1988 in Mashonaland although 15% were stunted in communal areas vs. 19% on commercial farms the differences were not significant. The likelihood of child stunting nationally on a commercial farm declines to 14% but remains stable in communal areas. In resettlement areas a child is twice as likely to be stunted. Stratified by age there is no difference among those 2-5 years old. Differences occur 7-24 months with stunting higher on commercial farms; stunting is higher in children 2-5 years in communal areas and twice as high for resettlement children. The incidence of stunting has declined well into the 1980s even in rural areas contrary to Loewenson.

Malnutrition and peak expiratory flow rate

In order to assess the effects of malnutrition on the growth of lung function, 376 Indian schoolchildren aged 6-12 yrs were studied. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured with a Wright peak flow meter, and nutritional status assessed by calculation of the percentage predicted height for age (HFA) and weight for height (WFH) using Harvard standards. After standardizing for height and sex, the PEFR of 30 wasted children (WFH below 80%) was significantly reduced (p less than 0.01), but that of 135 stunted children (HFA below 90%) was higher than average (p less than 0.05). It is concluded that current malnutrition has a negative effect on PEFR, possibly due to impaired muscle function, but that past or chronic malnutrition affects growth of lung function less than it affects somatic growth.

LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF GROWTH IN CHILDREN TREATED FOR ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

To evaluate growth retardation and obesity in relation to treatment of ALL children in initial remission (7.3 to 17.5 yrs), the heights (HTs) and weights (WTs) of 74 boys and 83 girls diagnosed prior to 1976 were analyzed. Patients were treated with chemotherapy and cranial or craniospinal irradiation (2400 rads) after diagnosis at 0.2 to 16.6 yrs of age (median 4.4). HT and WT are expressed as SD from the mean of the normal population by age and sex (NCHS standards). A decrease in HT SD occurred between diagnosis and last HT recorded for boys (mean ± 1 SD: O.1±1.0 vs -0.9 ±1.2, p<0.001, Wilcoxon) and for girls (-0.1±1.1 vs -1.4±1.2, p<0.001). Boys lost -0.7±0.4 SD in HT during therapy; -0.1±0.6 SD from the end of therapy until age 11.6 yrs; and -0.3±0.7 SD thereafter. Girls lost -0.7±0.6 SD in HT during therapy; 0.0±0.6 SD from end of treatment until 2 yrs prior to menarche, and -0.7±0.9 SD thereafter. 35% of boys and 48% of girls lost ≥1.5 SD in HT during the study period. As an index of appropriateness of WT for HT, HT SD was subtracted from WT SD. For boys, last (WT-HT) SD was 1.3±1.3 compared to -0.2±0.9 at diagnosis; 76.2% had a final positive index of obesity. For girls, last (WT-HT) SD was 1.3±1.2 compared to - 0.2±0.8 SD at diagnosis: 85.7% had a final positive index. Last (WT-HT) SD inversely correlated to last HT SD among girls (r= -0.45, p<0.001 ) but not boys. Additional girls receiving 1800 rads (20) or no rads (23) were compared to girls receiving 2400 rads for change in HT during treatment and a difference was found (-0.4±0.6 vs -0.3±0.6 vs -0.7±0.6, respectively, p<0.02, ANOVA); no difference was found with similar groups of\boys. In conclusion, many long-term survivors of ALL develop linear growth retardation and obesity. Much of the height loss occurs during therapy and may be related to radiation; an adequate “catch-up” phase of growth does not occur.

Breast milk lactoferrin levels in relation to maternal nutritional status.

Lactoferrin was measured in breast milk from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australian women using an enzyme immunoassay. There was no diurnal variation in lactoferrin concentration or change in concentration between the beginning and end of a feed. Lactoferrin levels were significantly higher in the first 15 days postpartum than in the period after the 15th day. Regression analysis showed that in milk from Aboriginal women less than 15 days postpartum, higher concentrations of lactoferrin were associated with weight for height (WFH) greater than 90% and with increased parity. Comparable data were not available for Caucasian women. For Aboriginal and Caucasian women more than 15 days postpartum, lactoferrin concentrations were higher in women greater than 90% WFH. Other variables, such as parity, were not significant in the regression.

Breast Milk Lactoferrin Levels in Relation to Maternal Nutritional Status

Lactoferrin was measured in breast milk from Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal Australian women using an enzyme immunoassay. There was no diurnal variation in lactoferrin concentration or change in concentration between the beginning and end of a feed. Lactoferrin levels were significantly higher in the first 15 days postpartum than in the period after the 15th day. Regression analysis showed that in milk from Aboriginal women less than 15 days postpartum, higher concentrations of lactoferrin were associated with weight for height (WFH) greater than 90% and with increased parity. Comparable data were not available for Caucasian women. For Aboriginal and Caucasian women more than 15 days postpartum, lactoferrin concentrations were higher in women greater than 90% WFH. Other variables, such as parity, were not significant in the regression.

Growth of muscle fibres during recovery from severe malnutrition in Jamaican Infants

1. The growth of muscle fibres was analysed by light microscopy in biopsies from subjects when malnourished, during nutritional rehabilitation, and after clinical recovery. 2. Muscle fibres from malnourished subjects were extremely atrophic (cross-sectional area, 110 micrometers2). The fibres doubled in size during the early period of rehabilitation. Growth of muscle fibres during later periods of rehabilitation occurred at a slower rate. 3. The absolute rates of change in fibre sizes differed considerably between subjects, but the rates of change relative to the rate of gain of total body-weight (expressed as % recovery or % expected weight-for height (Nelson, 1975)) were similar between subjects after the initial growth spurt. The pattern of recovery appeared to differ between older and younger subjects. 4. Fibre sizes correlated with body-weight but not with age in the malnourished subjects. A significant correlation between fibre areas and either weight or age was observed during rehabilitation and after clinical recovery. 5. Fibre sizes of clinically-recovered subjects (mean age, 13.8 months; weight, 8.7 kg) were only approximately 60% of that for a well-nourished 6-month-old control subject (6.4 kg). These results suggest that a longer period of time is required for fibres to reach their expected size. Therefore, when the child has regained body-weight to that of a normal child of the same height, his muscles have not yet recovered and his body composition is abnormal.

Maternal Anthropometry and Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) - A Hospital Based Study

This was a prospective observational study conducted on374 pregnant women who remained in the study beginningfrom first trimester until gave birth to singleton newbornbabies selected from five maternity hospitals located atdifferent regions in the country over a period of thirtymonths from July 2002 to December 2004. Objectives ofthe study were: (1) To find out the incidence of IUGR in thehospital based study, (2) To observe the impact of prepregnancyweight and pregnancy weight gain on IUGR,(3) To select appropriate cut off points of pre-pregnancyweight and pregnancy weight gain to identify women at riskfor delivering IUGR babies and (4) To observe theassociation between socio-demographic factors andmaternal anthropometry.Twenty one percent women delivered IUGR babies. Motherswho gained &lt;4 kg in second trimester and &lt;5kg in thirdtrimester gave birth to significantly higher incidence ofIUGR babies (29.1% and 35.3% respectively) in comparisonto mothers gained e” 4 kg and e” 5 kg who gave birth to14.4% and 9.3% IUGR babies (p&lt;.001) . Maternal weightfor height in the lower range of normalcy at early pregnancywas associated with an increased risk of IUGR whencompare to normal or over weight for height group ofmothers (30.6% vs. 9.5%; p=&lt;.001). The study revealedthat combination of &lt;90 percent of standard weight forheight and net weight gain per week &lt;125gm have strongnegative influence on foetal growth (39.5% IUGR babies).On the contrary, combination of e” 110 percent of weightfor height and weekly weight gain of e” 150 gm havesignificant positive impact on foetal growth (6.7% IUGR) .For total weight gain, best cut off point for identifying riskwomen of delivering IUGR babies was recommended 8.5kg and that for prepregnancy or first trimester weight was47.5 kg.Key words: Low birth weight; intrauterine growthretardation; AnthropometryDOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v28i2.5366J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2010; 28: 73-80

A New Weight-for Height Standard based on British Anthropometric Data

It was concluded in a previous paper (Billewicz, Kemsley, and Thomson, 1962) that the ratio of observed to standard weight is the simplest and most reliable index of adiposity, provided that the standard is suitably chosen. This ratio has obvious advantages: it is easy to calculate, the values ob tained do not depend on the units of measurement, and if the mathematical model presented in the previous paper gives a good approximation to reality the ratio should also yield results which are clinically and statistically consistent. The idea of using the ratio of observed to standard weight as an index to adiposity is, of course, not new. Indices of this type have been used in the past, though lately there has been a tendency to use instead various formula indices, notably the Ponderal Index. We suspect that the reluctance of research workers to use standard weights stems from the difficulty of finding suitable standards and from the idea that the use of standards implies the acceptance of standards as ideal or desirable weights. In this paper we present British weight-for-height standards, examine the properties of the ratio of observed to standard weight, and consider the applicability of this ratio to a variety of situations. The weight-for-height standard most commonly used in Britain is derived from the actuarial data collected in America towards the end of the 19th century (Medico-Actuarial Investigation, 1912). In the absence of generally-accepted standards based on British data, Davidson, Meiklejohn and Passmore (1959) recommended the continued use in Britain of this standard, in preference to more recent American actuarial data, on the grounds that it agrees more closely with recent British measurements. These actuarial standards include the weight of cloth ng and the height of footwear, but the appro priate allowances for them are not usually specified. T e data were derived from part of the American population, namely from those whose lives were propo ed for insurance. They were, therefore, sub ject to some measure of self-selection, although it is not k own whether or how far this has affected the s andards, for example, by producing a bias towards certain income groups. In the latest set of American standards (Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 1959) ranges of desirable weights are given for ind viduals of a given height and aged 25 years and over. It is clear from the text that the desi able weights are those associated with lowest mortality experience, but no definition of large, medium, or small frame is given.