What Specialised Nutrition is Required to Catch-up on Lost Growth?

Catching up on lost growth means prompting growth at a rate faster than expected. Now, this mechanism is seen after a period of growth-delay due to malnutrition, illness or improper diet intake (when the cause of growth deficit is removed).

One of the major reasons for growth delay in children is malnutrition. There have been numerous researches showing that children who have poor diets or inadequate intake of nutrients are more prone to significant short-term and long-term health problems. They have low immunity and are more prone to infections. Research also relates poor nutrition to cognition problems and poor academic performance in school.

Early under-nutrition is also reflected in the children’s physical growth trajectories. So, it is advisable to keep a track of the growth chart and check if your child is perfect for his/her age. If your child didn’t get proper nutrition during the early years, you can still catch-up with the growth. Clinical experience shows that near-complete catch-up on growth is possible in infants and young children, but not in children nearing to or in puberty.

However, keep in mind - catch-up growth requires extra nutrients, more than the recommended dietary intake for a particular age group. For e.g.  - *energy needs for catch up growth may be 50% greater than the DRI for an age. Similarly, for catch-up growth to occur, extraordinarily high protein intakes are required.

What Specialised Nutrition is Required to Catch-up on Lost Growth?

The nutrients, most significant for catch-up growth are - macronutrients carbohydrates, proteins, fats and micronutrients like iron, calcium, zinc potassium, folate, and Vitamin A, D, C & others.

#1. Carbohydrate & Fats

Carbohydrates and fats provide energy to the body. Carbohydrates provide 4 kcal/g while fats provide 9 kcal/g. High energy is needed by the body for catch-up growth to happen, but make sure that the food doesn’t simply provide empty calories.
 

#2. Protein

As energy, protein needs may be greater than the RDA for a certain age. Protein is required to build, maintain and repair body tissues. Good quality protein also provides essential amino acids to a kid’s body to produce enzymes and hormones, and hence helps in proper bodily functions.
 

#3. Micronutrients

Different micro-nutrients perform different but significant functions in the body. 
 

#4. Calcium

It is important for building strong bones and teeth. If calcium requirement is not met properly during childhood, bone density might suffer.
 

#5. Iron

It is needed for the formation of healthy blood cells that helps in transporting oxygen around the body.
 

#6. Zinc

Zinc is needed for healthy growth and development, and normal neurological and immune function.  
 

#7. Vitamins

Vitamin A and C are required for immunity building. Vitamin A is also essential for healthy eyes, skin, and vision. Whereas, Vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium. In a recent study published in April 2016 in the issue of Pediatric International (study conducted in a country where childhood nutritional deficiencies are common) highlighted the importance of micronutrients. It was found that supplementing school-children with zinc and a multivitamin resulted in a significantly greater increase in height compared to the placebo. 

In a nutshell, the nutrient needs for catch-up growth are quite high and should be met by providing a nutritional supplement along with a variety of nutrient-dense foods from the 5 food groups – cereals, proteins, fruits and vegetables, and dairy.

*Estimated energy requirements for a catch-up growth excerpts taken from Nevin Follino N, ed. Pediatric Manual of Clinical Dietetics, 2 nd ed. American Dietetics Association. 2003.

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and recommendations expressed in this article are solely those of the author who is a nutritionist and intended as an educational aid. This is an awareness drive powered by Horlick’s Growth Plus to help your child catch up on lost growth. Horlick’s Growth plus is clinically proven to show visible signs of growth in six months. You are encouraged to obtain professional advice concerning specific health / medical matters.