Role of intergenerational effects on linear growth

Current knowledge on the role of intergenerational effects on linear growth is reviewed on the basis of a literature search and recent findings from a n ongoing study in Guatemala. Fourteen studies were identified, most of whi ch examined the intergenerational relationships in birth weight. Overall, f or every 100 g increase in maternal birth weight, her child's birth weight increased by 10-20 g. The study samples were primarily from developed count ries, and birth weight data were extracted from hospital records and/or bir th registries. Among the few studies that examined associations between the adult heights of parents and their offspring, correlation coefficients of 0.42-0.5 were reported. None of the studies examined intergenerational rela tionships in birth length or linear growth patterns during early childhood, preadolescence and/or adolescence. Prospectively collected data from long- term studies being carried out in rural Guatemala provide the first evidenc e of intergenerational relationships in birth size in a developing country setting. Data were available for 215 mother-child pairs. Maternal birth siz e was a significant predictor (P < 0.05) of child's birth size after adjust ing for gestational age and sex of the child and other potential confounder s. Child's birth weight increased by 29 g/100 g increase in maternal birth weight which is nearly twice that reported in developed countries. Similarl y, child's birth length increased by 0.2 cm for every 1 cm increase in moth er's birth length. The effect of maternal birth weight remained significant even after adjusting for maternal adult size. More evidence from developin g countries will help explain the underlying mechanisms and identify approp riate interventions to prevent growth retardation.