Unbalanced Macronutrient Intakes, Multiple Micronutrient Inadequacies, and Diarrhea Underscore Low-Height-for-Age in Indigenous Panamanian Preschool Children

Background: may have seasonally distinct contributions to high rates of stunting in preschool children. Methods: This prospective community-based study collected sociodemographic and health data from 328, 12‒59-mo-old children in both the dry and rainy seasons. Diets were assessed in nonbreastfeeding children using a food frequency questionnaire and a 24-h recall during both seasons. Bivariate comparisons between stunted and nonstunted children and between the dry and rainy seasons were conducted. Stepwise linear regression models identified associations of sociodemographic status, infections, food groups, and estimated nutrient intakes with HAZ. Conclusions: The multifactorial nature of linear growth faltering in these preschool children differed by season. The negative impact of diarrhea emerged only in the rainy season, but the negative impact of sugar intake and the positive impact of fat intake emerged in both seasons.