Most of the growth faltering leading to stunting occurs between ages 3 months and 18–24 months (Victora et al., 2010), a period of vulnerability because often insufficient and poor-quality food is provided to the child.
How does stunting happen?
Stunted growth: what actually causes it? The most direct causes are inadequate nutrition (not eating enough or eating foods that lack growth-promoting nutrients) and recurrent infections or chronic or diseases which cause poor nutrient intake, absorption or utilization.
What are the causes of stunted growth?
The most common causes include:
- A family history of short stature. If parents or other family members have short stature, it's common for a child to grow at a slower rate than their peers. ...
- Constitutional growth delay. ...
- Growth hormone deficiency. ...
- Hypothyroidism. ...
- Turner syndrome. ...
- Other causes of delayed growth.
