An analytical approach for exploring the importance of dietary quality versus quantity in the growth of Mexican children

Abstract

The average annual intake of specific nturients, foods, food groups, and proxies for nutrient bioavailability of 87 Mexican preschoolers and 110 schoolchildren were compared with their anthropometry. Children consuming a lower proportion of tortillas and legumes and more animal products were taller and heavier. Even though the high-tortilla dietary pattern provided more of most nutrients, these were less available. In conclusion, children's size was predicted by dietary quality - not quantity - measured either as a high intake of animal products or as a lower intake of factors inhibiting nutrient bioavailability. -from Authors