Objective. To evaluate the nutritional status of the infantile populat
ion in rural Mexico, compare it with previous data and situate the mos
t affected areas. Material and Methods. The sample consisted of 38 232
families, from 855 randomly selected communities. Anthropometry was o
btained from 31 601 children under five years of age and analysis was
performed considering the reference values of weight/age, weight/heigh
t and height/age. Results. Overall malnutrition affects 42.7 of childr
en according to weight/age indicator (CI=1.9%). Moderate and severe ma
lnutrition 22 years ago was 17.4% and now these affect 19.3%. Further
data show that 55.9% are malnourished according to height/age, and 18.
9% according to weight/height. Conclusions. The ENAL 96 shows that mal
nutrition is still a severe national problem which has not improved in
the last 22 years. The areas of highest prevalence are the southern s
tates which have mostly Indian population.