The legacy of a standard of normality in child nutrition research

Abstract

Anthropometric evaluation of children is among the most vital and widely used instruments of public health and clinical medicine. Anthropometry is used for establishing norms, identifying variations, and monitoring development. Yet the accurate assessment of physical growth and development of children remains a perpetually beleaguering subject. This paper focuses on the evolution of anthropometry as a science and its associated measurements, indices, indicators, standards, references, and best practices. This paper seeks to clarify aspects of the assessment of child growth, explores the historical trajectory of the study of anthropometry and its contemporary limitations, and contributes to the debate surrounding references and standards, and the applicability of international anthropometric standards to an individual's health. Among its findings is a surprisingly nonlinear and contested record of events, up to and including leading contemporary practices and datasets. It contextualizes the legacy of child malnutrition studies in a broad framework, including the linkage between the early eugenics movement and contemporary notions of a “normal” child, the interpersonal and intuitional competition to become the preeminent child growth authority, the obfuscated distinction between reference growth charts and standards of growth, and the hidden consequences of universal growth standards that no longer reflect any observable populations.

Sustaining (Dis)Embodied Inequalities in the(ir) Eurocene: Ancient Microbes, Racial Anthropometry, and Life Choices

“…It was, in part, a means for Europeans and their colonial descendants to racially classify and order humans, particular non-Europeans. Anthropometry 'discovered' correlations between a priori racial prejudices and differences in bodily dimensions, typically of non-Europeans, and those they deemed 'criminals' or of 'lower' class (Sandler 2021;Lasco 2020;Vargas Domínguez 2015;Machado 2018), which they believe justified their exclusionary, discriminatory, and often violent imperial and national policies.…”

“…As part of this movement, early 20th century Euro-American science and policy notions based on 'normal' children, with their associated anthropometric methods and cut offs, were inseparable from eugenic and colonial projects undertaken in pursuit of racial purity. These projects were often enmeshed with ambitions for increased industrial productivity and national profit (Sandler 2021;Machado 2018;Vargas-Domínguez 2017).…”

Nurturing the Future: Examining Breastfeeding Practices and Nutritional Health Among Amazonian Kichwa Mothers and Infants

“…Anthropometric measurements of infants were performed using standard referential procedures issued by WHO. Weight was measured using a digital baby scale in kilograms (SECA 354), length was measured using an infantometer in centimeters (SECA 417), and the brachial and cephalic perimeter was measured using Shakir's tape in millimeters (SECA 212) 34,35 .…”

Akurasi Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) dalam Mendeteksi Malnutrisi Akut pada Anak di bawah 5 Tahun : A Literature Review

“…7 Issue 2SP (December 2023). 328-335 individuals and populations 6 . MUAC and weight-forheight z-score are suggested metrics for assessing acute malnutrition 7 .…”