Linear growth of Zapotec schoolchildren: growth status and yearly velocity for leg length and sitting height.

The growth status and yearly growth velocity for sitting height and leg length of mild-to-moderately undernourished Zapotec schoolchildren from Oaxaca, Mexico, are described and compared with well-nourished black and white North American boys and girls. Zapotec children between 6 and 13 years of age are significantly smaller than their North American counterparts. Differences in sitting height between the three samples are maintained throughout the age range; their yearly growth increments are comparable. Yearly growth velocity in leg length of the Zapotec children is lower, which increases variation in growth status with age. Age-specific relative leg length (leg length/stature) for the Zapotec sample is 1-5% smaller than well-nourished North American children. The results show that statural growth differences between Zapotec and North American schoolchildren are accounted for by diminished growth rates of leg length.