Background: There are limited data on growth and diet of Yao minority ethnic children in Guangdong, China.
Aim: To examine the growth of a group of Yao minority ethnic children in relation to their diet.
Subjects and methods: Anthropometric data on 301 Yao boys and 303 Yao girls aged 9-15 years studying at a boarding school in Liannan, Guangdong were collected. Food and nutrient intakes was assessed by a food weighing method in 30 students and total fat content in diet was measured by chemical analysis on duplicate meals. Results were compared to those of similar aged school children in Hong Kong.
Results: The Yao group were shorter than Hong Kong children. Regardless of various international and Hong Kong growth references applied, Yao children consistently showed lower prevalence of overweight and obesity and a higher rate of stunting and thinness compared to Hong Kong children. The Yao group consumed less energy and less protein, derived mainly from natural plant-based food with significantly more grains and vegetables.
Conclusion: The relative short stature of Yao children compared with Han Chinese children in Hong Kong may be accounted for by genetics and differences in nutrient intakes.