Linear growth is a hallmark of childhood; in most cases it proceeds without interference until final height is achieved after puberty. However, numerous genetic and environmental factors may interfere with the normal process. One of the most common environmental factors that may affect linear growth is the nutritional status. Due to the significant influence of nutrition on childhood's growth, the identification of good nutritional biomarkers for growth outcomes will potentially help the pediatric endocrinologist to improve diagnosis and treatment of nutritional growth attenuation. This paper will discuss the following questions: What is a good nutritional biomarker for growth outcomes? Which nutritional biomarkers are already known? What additional biomarkers does the endocrinologist need?
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