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If your child is shorter or smaller than their peers, you might be wondering if they have underlying physiological issues. Serious growth conditions are generally picked up at birth or during infancy and, by and large, nutrition and genetics play the biggest roles in determining your child's size and when they'll go through growth-spurts.
While each generation is growing taller than the one preceding it, genetics still determines where kids sit in comparison to their peers on the height & size chart. There is a slim chance that your child will be more of a Michael Jordon if their biological parents were more akin to Danny DeVito. Seek advice from a paediatrician on what to expect, and be realistic with your hopes for your child's growth.
There are a few manageable influences that can impair growth in childhood, including underlying nutritional insufficiencies and diseases that can present with subtle symptoms:
All food intolerances can interfere with the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food and lead to growth problems in children.
Gluten intolerance is different to coeliac disease – it doesn't trigger autoimmune destruction of the small intestine, but it does cause the gastrointestinal tract to become inflamed. This inflammation blocks the uptake of nutrients, and uses more nutrients to try to calm down the inflammation. Food intolerances can present with similar symptoms to coeliac disease including growth problems, diarrhoea, runny noses and frequent infections, and abdominal tenderness.
Gluten and dairy are the most common food intolerances in children, and a recent study showed that a high gluten diet disrupted growth hormones in children, regardless of whether or not they had an established intolerance [1].
Opting for gluten-free grains like rice, millet, quinoa and buckwheat can give your child a break from gluten, and dairy can be replaced with rice, oat, coconut, or soy products. Seek advice from a nutritionist to ensure their nutritional levels are being met during any dietary changes.
Coeliac (“see-lee-ack”) disease is an autoimmune condition. When people with coeliac disease eat gluten, their immune systems attacks part of the lining of their small intestine that is responsible for absorbing nutrients. Because of this destruction, coeliac disease results in impaired nutrition and reduced growth in children.
Early diagnosis is essential as missing out on key nutrients results in failure to thrive (aka poor growth). Other coeliac symptoms can include diarrhoea, low energy levels, emotional distress or mood swings, and poor appetite, but coeliac disease can present “silently” with no symptoms except for growth issues.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the throat, just below the Adam's apple. It secretes hormones that control metabolism and growth, and an under-active thyroid or “hypo-thyroid” can result in growth issues in children. Other symptoms can include poor appetite, delay in the appearance of teeth, constipation, poor concentration, and short fingers and toes. Hypothyroid disease is usually detected by paediatricians, but ask for your physician's opinion if you're worried.
Picky eaters and those on restricted diets due to health conditions, cultural limitations or parent’s ethics are at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies that restrict growth.
Multiple studies have shown that picky eaters are at risk of deficiencies in minerals, vitamins and total energy intake, potentially accounting for growth issues amongst these kids [2] [3].
Most picky eaters seem to prefer to eat cereals and grains but still fail to meet the recommended daily intake of these foods, missing out on key nutrients for growth like protein, magnesium and zinc. The case is worse for vegetables, with one study showing that only 14% of picky eaters come close to getting the recommended intake [4].
For a child to thrive, all essential nutrients are required in adequate amounts. Generally, children's diets are low in these key growth nutrients:
Protein deficiencies are incredibly rare in Australia, but some kids are getting well under the recommended levels that they need to thrive. Protein is necessary for all functions in the body, including muscle growth, bone formation, metabolism, and the production and section of growth-related hormones. Low height is often due to inadequate protein intake during peak growth times.
4 – 8 years 0.91g/kg per day (approx. 20g protein per day)
9 – 13 year 0.94g / kg per day (approx 40g per day)
14 – 18 years (0.99g / kg per day (approx 65kg per day).
For reference, 1 cup of quinoa contains 8g of complete protein.
Red meat is the first thing most people think of when they look for “protein”, but variety is the key to a healthy diet for growing children.
Eggs and fish are great sources of protein for kids, and provide healthy fats and iodine, a nutrient needed for thyroid health. Plant-based options include lentils, chickpeas, whole grains, nuts and nut butters, tofu, tempeh, quinoa and chia seeds add extra nutrients.
Snacks high in protein can include hummus dips, nuts, cheese and hard-boiled eggs.
Vitamin D regulates healthy growth hormones, and controls the absorption and excretion of essential bone minerals such as calcium. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to poor growth outcomes in children, and one study showed that this was followed with unhealthy weight gain during adolescence [5].
Ten minutes of sun exposure on bare arms and legs (without sunscreen) is, for most kids, enough to create vitamin D to help maintain bones. Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem, in even the sunniest parts of the world like Australia. Those with immune issues, endocrine condition, kidney or liver problems, or already-low vitamin D levels may need some extra help – vitamin D supplements give the body vitamin D in a form that is already activated.
Check with your nutritionist or physician on whether you need to supplement and how much – some blood may need to be taken to check levels before beginning supplementation. Sprays and drops are more absorbable than capsules, but consider your child’s compliance when deciding which supplement to purchase – sprays and drops are more fun, are usually tasteless or pleasantly flavoured, and easy to administer.
With its role in mineral homeostasis, a vitamin D deficiency often comes alongside insufficiencies of other nutrients involved in growth, particularly calcium, zinc, magnesium and copper [6].
Calcium is the most recognised mineral when it comes to bones. 99% of calcium is bound up in bones and teeth, but the remaining 1% is used for essential growth functions like cellular energy production, muscle function, and secretion of growth hormones. There is more to it than drinking plenty of milk. Tofu, eggs, tahini and dairy are rich sources of calcium. Fortified soy milk, cooked leafy vegetables and yoghurts are good too.
Avoid soft drinks, particularly those that are dark in colour, as they contain phosphoric acids which block integration of calcium into the bone.
Source: NHMRC [7]
Magnesium creates a foundational structure with calcium to make bones strong and long. They also work together to regulate nerve signals throughout the brain and the entire nervous system. Magnesium also regulates vitamin D levels, which in turn regulates calcium levels and growth outcomes in children.
Magnesium is quickly excreted from the body during times of stress including the physical stress of growth, so boost your child's dietary intake with lots of green leafy vegetables, brown rice and other whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Supplement is generally considered safe, but consult with a healthcare professional to make sure it's right for your child. Topical application is also suitable. Try a roll on or use some magnesium flakes in their bath a few times a week.
Source: NMHRC [8]
Zinc is an essential mineral that is required for growth of all tissue, healthy cell devision, and regulation of metabolism. On a microbiological level, zinc is required for DNA synthesis and protein attachment, without which cells can't replicate and tissue can't grow.
Even a mild deficiency in zinc can contribute to reduced height, and often comes along with reduced immune strength, frequent sniffles and sneezes, and poor ability to concentrate or give attention.
A recent meta-analysis of 33 trials showed that prepubertal children who took zinc supplements were far more likely to experience healthy height and weight gain, while maintaining ideal BMIs [9].
It's essential to seek advice from a qualified health care professional before giving zinc supplementation to your child, as too much zinc can be toxic. In the meantime, boost their levels with zinc-rich foods. The highest known food-source is oysters… Not exactly a fun lunchbox snack. But good levels are also found in meat, eggs, nuts and seeds.
Source: NMHRC [10]