METHODS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE CHILD NUTRITIONAL STATE

Abstract

The evaluation of the body nutritional state in children is very important because all disturbances induce complications during the adult life. The author reviews the actual methods used in the assessment of the nutritional state in children, anthropometric and advanced methods. The usual anthropometric measurements are described: weight, height, body mass index, the circumference of the middle arm, waist and hip, the skinfold thickness. A presentation of the advanced methods including the bioelectrical impedance analysis, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, ultrasonography and hydrodensiometry are presented with their principle, technical execution and limits.

Keywords

• anthropometry
• imaging investigations
• child