Low intake of calcium and vitamin D, but not zinc, iron or vitamin A, is associated with stunting in 2- to 5-year-old children

Abstract Objectives This cross-sectional study examined the nutritional factors associated with the high levels of stunting in 2- to 5-y-old children in an impoverished South African setting where liver is frequently eaten and vitamin A deficiency known to be absent. Methods Children's dietary intake was assessed by a single 24-h recall. Heights and weights were measured and information was obtained on breast-feeding history, the child's habitual milk intake, as well as substance use by the mother during pregnancy (n = 150). Results The overall prevalence of stunting was 36.9% (CI 29.2, 44.6) and increased with age, being 49% in the 4- to 5-y-old age category. Birth weight correlated significantly with height-for-age z-scores (HAZ; r = 0.250, P = 0.003), and was lower in children whose mothers smoked and used alcohol during pregnancy than in children whose mothers abstained ( P 12 (nutrients that typically occur in milk) was significantly lower in stunted than in non-stunted children ( P P P = 0.003). Conclusions Inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, presumably because of low intake of milk after weaning, may have contributed to stunting in this population.