CATCH-UP GROWTH IN CHILDREN FED A MACROBIOTIC DIET IN EARLY-CHILDHOOD

To study the relationship between diet and growth, a longitudinal anth ropometric study was conducted in a Dutch population consuming a macro biotic diet. Measurements (anthropometry and food habit questionnaire) were taken in 1985 (0-7 y), 1987, and in 1993 (7-16 y, n = 209). Z-sc ores were calculated for anthropometric measures and changes expressed as the differences between 1993 and the mean of 1985 and 1987. Analys is indicated significant (P < 0.002) catch-up in height [(mean Z-score +/- SEM) + 0.59 +/- 0.07] and arm circumference (+0.34 +/- 0.09) for age (boys and girls combined). In 1993, both girls and boys were still significantly (P < 0.05) below the reference for height and sum of fo ur skinfolds for age, and girls were below reference for weight-for-he ight and arm circumference for age. In girls, multiple regression anal yses showed a significant positive effect of the consumption frequency of dairy products on catch-up growth in height, weight and arm circum ference, after adjustment for menarche, age, and baseline height, weig ht and arm circumference (P < 0.05). The addition of moderate amounts of dairy products to a vegan type of diet improved growth of children, especially girls.