Height secrets: Paediatric shares diet, hormone health tips to make your child taller and stronger

Parents watch their kid's height charts, count the vegetables, cheer the first steps and first words. Every parent dreams of watching their child grow up healthy, confident and thriving not just in height but in energy, learning and happiness yet, growth is not just about genes.

From hormones to nutrition, several invisible factors work quietly behind the scenes to shape a child’s development and when something goes off balance, the signs can show up in subtle ways like slow height gain, fatigue or delayed puberty.In an interview with the Times of India, Dr Kochurani Abraham, Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist at Ankura Hospital for Women and Children in Pune, shared, “Children go through many stages of development.

A child's healthy growth is a result of their overall health, hormone balance and proper diet. Poor growth may be an indication of an underlying medical issue. Parents should never ignore it.”

The science of growth: Hormones behind the inches

A child’s height depends on a well-orchestrated balance of hormones, nutrients and genetics. Two of the most vital hormones are Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1).“Growth Hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain, stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1 — a hormone that drives bone and tissue growth,” explained Dr Abraham.

“If GH levels are low, children may have stunted growth. But with timely diagnosis, modern recombinant GH therapy can help restore normal height velocity.”This is not just theoretical. According to a landmark 2020 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, children treated with recombinant GH showed a 75–85% improvement in annual height velocity, especially when therapy was initiated before puberty. The researchers concluded, “Early GH therapy significantly improves linear growth outcomes and normalises adult height potential in GH-deficient children.”

Why thyroid health matters for growing kids

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in both skeletal and brain development. A deficiency of thyroid hormones in early life can delay not only height growth but also cognitive milestones.

Dr Abraham noted, “Untreated congenital hypothyroidism can result in significant developmental delays. Thankfully, newborn screening programs today allow for early detection and timely thyroid hormone replacement, which can prevent lifelong complications.”This was supported by a 2021 report in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology which claimed that, “Universal neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism has reduced the global incidence of growth retardation and developmental disability by over 70%.” This shows that even one blood test, when done at the right time, can transform a child’s future.

Puberty: The hormonal rollercoaster

Puberty is the body’s ultimate growth accelerator and it is all about hormones. Oestrogen and testosterone kickstart the growth spurt, followed by the eventual closure of growth plates but both precocious puberty (early onset) and delayed puberty can affect final height.“During puberty, hormones act like green lights for growth plates,” said Dr Abraham. “If those signals come too early or too late, it can impact final height. The good news is, medical treatments are available to balance these changes.”A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology revealed that timely intervention for children with delayed puberty helped restore normal growth in 83% of cases. Researchers added, “Pubertal hormone modulation remains one of the most effective strategies to achieve target height when initiated within optimal growth windows.”

The hidden hormones: Cortisol and insulin

Beyond GH and thyroid, other hormones silently affect how tall or strong a child becomes.

According to Dr. Abraham, “Poorly controlled diabetes is often linked to inadequate height gain. High cortisol or insulin imbalance can directly interfere with growth hormone function.”

This is backed by a 2023 review published in Pediatric Research, which found that children with well-managed type 1 diabetes showed up to 15% better height progression than those with poor glucose control.

Nutrition: The unsung hero of growth

While hormones set the stage, nutrition builds the structure. “Protein, calcium, vitamin D and zinc are crucial for height and bone development,” said Dr Abraham. “Malnutrition is still one of the leading causes of poor growth — but it’s also the most correctable.”A major 2022 cross-country study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that adequate protein intake (1.2–1.5g/kg/day) in children directly correlated with better height velocity and bone density. The study also found that zinc and vitamin D deficiency were associated with slower linear growth in more than 30% of the children analysed.Similarly, a 2022 study in Nutrients emphasized the connection between sunlight exposure and bone health. The researchers noted, “Children engaging in at least one hour of outdoor play daily had 40% higher vitamin D levels and significantly improved bone mineralisation.” So yes, those hours spent in the playground truly make a difference.

What can be done? Expert tips for parents

Dr Abraham recommends a few practical, evidence-backed steps that every parent can follow to nurture their child’s growth:

Growth Hormone Therapy: When nature needs a boost

Sometimes, despite proper nutrition and care, children may still struggle with growth due to medical conditions like GH deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader–Willi syndrome or chronic kidney disease.

In such cases, Growth Hormone Therapy (GHT) can be life-changing.A 2021 review in Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews highlighted that recombinant GH therapy improved height outcomes and muscle tone, while enhancing self-esteem and energy levels in over 90% of treated children.“Recombinant GH therapy today is much safer and more effective than ever before,” Dr Abraham revealed. “But it should only be prescribed by a qualified endocrinologist after thorough evaluation.”

The takeaway

Your child’s height is more than just a number on the wall. It is a reflection of their inner health, nutrition and hormonal harmony. With early recognition, balanced meals, good sleep and expert guidance, most growth challenges can be corrected.Dr Kochurani Abraham concluded, “A child’s growth is a mirror of their well-being. When we nourish them right and keep hormones in check, we’re not just adding inches — we’re shaping a healthier future.”Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.