Question
My son is 15 years old this year and only 160cm tall. Both parents are not tall, with heights of 153cm and 163cm respectively. Recently, I took him for a check-up, and the report showed: the left ulna has not fully healed, the trace element test showed low zinc levels, and the growth hormone test results were also low. I would like to ask if there is a problem with such test results and how to improve them?
Answer
Height development primarily depends on the growth of long bones, which in turn is influenced by whether the growth plates have fully closed. Generally, by the age of 15, the growth plates should not be fully closed, but they may close prematurely. It is recommended that you first check if the growth plates have already fully closed. In terms of diet, you can increase the intake of calcium-rich foods such as lean meat, cartilage, dairy products, and shellfish, and engage in more running and jumping exercises. Additionally, spend more time outdoors to promote the synthesis of vitamin D in the body, which aids in calcium absorption and utilization.