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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can The Height Of A Child Be Increased?

My son is twelve years old and is 5 feet six inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. My ex wife is 5 feet 6 and I am six feet. My father was 6 feet 2 and my ex wifes father was 6 feet 1. Is there any way to tell how tall my son will be? also are there any foods that can help him height-wise?
Wed, 12 Apr 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
The genetics of height are very complex. The multitude of factors taking part in height (especially at a genetic level) is so expansive that there is no way to accurately predict which height they will end up achieving. I can give you a few pointers though.
Your son's height seems very good for his age group. He has five to nine years of growth ahead of him. A lot can happen in that time.

A study in 1994 came up with a calculation of expected adult height of children. It is only applicable to American children with an assumption that they are otherwise healthy and disease free. This is called Khamis-Roche method. You can try this link. https://www.yyyyyyy.org/home/patients--visitors/health-information/health-library/navid/000/doc/0000000.aspx

What I would warn about this calculator is that it is not fool-proof and only gives you a statistical probability.

There are no foods that give a particularly good height. The key is a healthy and well-balanced diet. There is an armada of companies that promise height increasing medications and supplements but they are not based on any evidence and mostly rip-offs.

The key is that whenever in doubt, consider stepping in to see your paediatrician. They will ask your son a few questions and examine him and will give you a more accurate opinion.
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Can The Height Of A Child Be Increased?

The genetics of height are very complex. The multitude of factors taking part in height (especially at a genetic level) is so expansive that there is no way to accurately predict which height they will end up achieving. I can give you a few pointers though. Your son s height seems very good for his age group. He has five to nine years of growth ahead of him. A lot can happen in that time. A study in 1994 came up with a calculation of expected adult height of children. It is only applicable to American children with an assumption that they are otherwise healthy and disease free. This is called Khamis-Roche method. You can try this link. https://www.yyyyyyy.org/home/patients--visitors/health-information/health-library/navid/000/doc/0000000.aspx What I would warn about this calculator is that it is not fool-proof and only gives you a statistical probability. There are no foods that give a particularly good height. The key is a healthy and well-balanced diet. There is an armada of companies that promise height increasing medications and supplements but they are not based on any evidence and mostly rip-offs. The key is that whenever in doubt, consider stepping in to see your paediatrician. They will ask your son a few questions and examine him and will give you a more accurate opinion.