Differences in the pattern of weight growth of nutritionally at-risk and well-nourished infants

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Abstract
A mathematical model was used to examine the patterns of weight growth of two groups of infants exposed to various ecological and nutritional conditions and practices. Statistical comparison of the parameters of weight model estimated from longitudinal data demonstrated different level and profile contour of weight growth in these two populations. In addition to differences in the growth levels, the growth patterns of these two groups are significantly different. The Taiwanese infants experience more pronounced upward and downward changes in growth velocity than the United States (US) infants in the first 6 mo of life. In the second 6 mo, the US infants show a decline in growth velocity whereas the Taiwanese infants maintain a low and constant growth rate. Possible explanations for the different growth profile of the Taiwanese infants in the first 6 mo may be related to: catch-up growth after possible intrauterine undernutrition, genetic growth pattern of Taiwanese infants, and growth characteristics of breast-fed infants.