Tag: Stunt growth

The vast majority of a person's final adult height is determined by genetics. The myth that eating late can stunt growth is common, but medical science points to a more complex interplay of factors, primarily affecting growth indirectly through sleep and hormone regulation.

Reports show that deficiencies in L-carnitine, not supplementation, are linked to stunted growth and other developmental issues in certain medical conditions, dispelling a widespread myth about the supplement's effect on growth. The misconception is often rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of carnitine's role in the body.

Globally, stunting affects approximately one-quarter of children under five, and research shows that low levels of circulating essential amino acids are associated with this chronic malnutrition. This counters the popular question: do amino acids stunt growth? The truth is, these protein building blocks are absolutely fundamental to healthy development, and it is their absence, not presence, that poses a threat to height.