NUTRITION-RELATED HAIR SIGNS IN ZAIRIAN PRESCHOOL-CHILDREN AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH ANTHROPOMETRY

assess Prevalence of hair dyspigmentation, decurling, thinness and fra ilty, a random sample of more than 4,000 Preschoolers, representative for a large area in Northern Zaire, was examined clinically and anthro pometrically, Isolated dyspigmentation, isolated thinness and the comb ination of both were the most frequent signs (>5%). Prevalence of hair signs did not differ according to sex or season, Peak prevalence teas found between ages 6 and 18 months, suggesting a relationship with we aning Most hair signs, studied separately or as combinations, increase d gradually with lowering weight-for-age (WFA) or weight-for height bu t not with height for age, Isolated dyspigmentation, however, was unre lated to WFA or marasmus, All signs occurred also in children with 'no rmal' WFA (SD >-2), In these children, hair signs were associated with the presence of clinical muscle wasting.