Growth of children from extremely poor families

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Abstract
A combined cross-sectional and longitudinal study of the growth pattern of a group of children belonging to Peruvian families of extremely low socioeconomic condition, taxed with severe malnutrition in at least one of its members, and studied during 4 years (1966 to 1970), is presented. For both sexes, mean height and weight follow fairly closely the 3rd percentile line of a United States growth standard after the 2nd semester of life, the one just below, the other just above. Weight-to-height relationship is increased and indicative of overweight, consistent with the physical appearance. Other studies have shown that an improved environment and nutrition can produce dramatic linear growth; therefore, the weight/height ratio observed cannot be considered indicative of adequate nutrition. Mean head circumference runs close to a line 2 sd below the mean of an international standard up to age 18 months, slowly increasing toward the mean thereafter. Growth of the head is seemingly better preserved than linear growth in this population.

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