From 1968--1978 a longitudinal study was performed concerning development of thorax, upper arm, thigh and calf circumferences in 709 boys and 711 girls 2--15 years old. In boys the mean increase in thoracic circumference amounted to 32.9 cm, in upper are circumference to 8.3 cm, in thigh circumference to 20.6 cm and in calf circumference to 13.0 cm. The corresponding circumferences in girls amounted to 30 cm, 7.9 cm, 22.4 cm and 12.7 cm. In boys the circumferences developed almost linearly until year 15. Girls had the same linear development until year 13. Between years 14 and 15 girls had in increased development of all circumferences studied.

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From 1968--1978 a longitudinal study was performed concerning development of height, weight and skinfold thickness in 709 boys and 711 girls 1.5--16 years old. Increase in height during time studied amounted to 92 cm in boys and 82 cm in girls. Mean increases in weight amounted to 49.3 kg and 41.2 kg respectively. Boys had highest increase in growth from 13 to 15 years, girls from 11 to 13 years. Skinfold has been thicker in girls than in boys. Triceps Skinfolds had been ped wave-like in both sexes. Following an unchanged decreased phase, the skinfolds remaining developed its thickness constantly. The phase of stagnation paralleled time of highest increase in growth.

The activity of red cell transketolase and TPP-effect were determined in 1028 infants and children, aged 1 month to 14 years, using a micromethod. All the children were healthy and without evidence of malnutrition. Transketolase activity decreased in the second year of life, followed by a constant increase up to the 6th year. Activity did not change in the next four years, then a steady decrease occurred. TPP-effect was not as stable as transketolase activity, and decreased significantly from years 3 to 5 and increased significantly from years 5 to 7. Beginning with year 10, TPP-effect decreased gradually. 6.6% of all children investigated had marginally deficient TPP-effects and 1.3% were biochemically deficient without clinical signs of avitaminosis. A group of 37 adults had transketolase activities and TPP-effect comparable to those of the 13 year-olds. Effect appeared to be marginal in 5.4% and deficient in 2.7%.

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