The measurement and interpretation of growth in childhood is the most widespread assessment instrument for individual and community health and nutrition status. Current use of growth charts were assessed on an international basis in 1972. Chart requirements were defined; a prototype chart was developed, tested, and evaluated for international use. The resulting growth chart is a simple, inexpensive, and easy-to-use means of monitoring child health and nutrition in local health services. Basic health data is organized and presented for use in 1) assessing current health status; 2) projecting growth trends; 3) defining levels of care. The visual character of the chart provides the health worker with a useful, educational instrument to understand growth and development and the consequences of inadequate diet and infectious diseases. It allows greater maternal responsibilities for child care. The guide to the use of growth charts presents a model chart which can be easily adapted to lacal needs.

There is no other time in life when the provision of adequate and balanced nutrition is of greater importance than during infancy and childhood. During this dynamic phase characterized by rapid growth, development and developmental plasticity, a sufficient amount and appropriate composition of nutrients both in health and disease are of key importance for growth, functional outcomes such as cognition and immune response, and the metabolic programming of long-term health and well-being. This compact reference text provides concise information to readers who seek quick guidance on practical issues in the nutrition of infants, children and adolescents. After the success of the first edition, which sold more than 50'000 copies in several languages, the editors prepared this thoroughly revised and updated second edition which focuses again on nutritional challenges in both affluent and poor populations around the world. Serving as a practical reference guide, this book will contribute to further improving the quality of feeding of healthy infants and children, as well as enhancing the standards of nutritional care in sick children.

This publication provides comprehensive ?state-of-the-art? information on the subject pertinent to developing countries, particularly India. Besides serving as a textbook, this volume is also intended to provide practical guidelines for day-to-day nutrition-related problems; serve as reference material for researchers, help provide practical leads to planners and sensitize the reader to ongoing National Nutrition Programmes.