NUTRITIONAL-STATUS INDEXES IN POPULATION STUDIES

The access to information is crucial to plan, define and evaluate nutr itional interventions. Analyzing the main nutritional indices proposed by international fora for food and nutrition surveillance, the useful ness of anthropometry is underscored due to its simplicity and low cos t. The height/age index has advantages and limitations, considering th at height may be influenced by genetic factors. The joint analysis of different indicators allows a correct individual or population nutriti onal assessment. It is concluded that height continues to be a good in dex of nutritional status and of standard of living in countries where nutritional problems are relevant.