Growth retardation in asthma: role of calorie deficiency.

Height and weight were recorded and nutrient intake assessed during a 1-year period in 8 short asthmatic children who subsequently received energy supplements for a further year. None received systemic steroids. Total energy intakes in 6 of the children were reduced but no relationship between intakes and linear growth was found. Linear growth performance did not improve despite the fact that energy intake was normalised by supplementation, although some children showed an accelerated weight gain. We suggest that calorie supplementation is not effective for promoting optimal linear growth in short asthmatic children.