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Growth and nutrition of Hong Kong children aged 0-7 years

S S Leung1, S M Chan, S Lui

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin. sophie-leung@cuhk.edu.hk

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|March 21, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Early dietary practices in Hong Kong children show lower energy intake and fat consumption compared to Western counterparts. Despite differences in growth metrics, dietary factors do not fully explain the smaller body build observed in Chinese children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Growth and Development
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Understanding early childhood nutrition is crucial for optimal growth and development.
  • Previous studies suggest potential differences in growth patterns between Asian and Western children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between early dietary habits and growth in Hong Kong children from birth to seven years.
  • To compare the growth and dietary intake of Hong Kong children with international references.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 173 Hong Kong Chinese infants from birth to seven years.
  • Anthropometric measurements and dietary assessments (dietary history, 24-hour recall, food frequency) were employed.

Main Results:

  • Hong Kong children were lighter and shorter than NCHS and Australian references, with differences most pronounced between ages 1-5 years.
  • Energy intake decreased with age, and fat intake remained around 30%, with higher protein intake compared to Australian and Finnish children.
  • Calcium, iron, and vitamin C intake met at least 60% of US recommended daily allowances.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary differences do not fully account for the smaller body size of Chinese children compared to Caucasians.
  • The diet of Hong Kong children is becoming more Westernized, with increased consumption of animal products.
Abstract

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