[Influence of nutrition on hormone secretion. II. Study in Ribeirão, Pernambuco, Brazil (author's transl)]

1. Ten children from Ribeirão of both sexes, aged 1 to 6 years, suffering from 2nd and 3rd degree malnutrition were studied. The mean circulating growth hormone levels were significantly higher in both groups before dietary therapy, but the highest values were found in children with 3rd degree malnutrition. It was demonstrated that serum growth hormone levels were significantly related to the severity of malnutrition. A positive correlation was found between the nutritional status and the growth hormone levels. 2. The mean circulating insulin levels were lower before dietary therapy, but a significant correlation was not noted between the nutritional status and the insulin levels. 3. After the dietary therapy the hormone levels progressively returned to normal. These children showed a better recovery than those of the previous study, Agua Preta. This observation may be due to the active participation of the mothers in the nutritional recuperation of their children.