Stunted growth

Evidence that body height is determined by socioeconomic circumstances can be traced back to Louis Ren Villerm, a French hygienist who used data collected by the military services of the French army in 1812 and 1813. The significance of his words has remained relevant since. In the second half of the 19th century, the laws of genetics became apparent completing the four basic conditions known to us for appropriate human growth--genetics, nutrition, health, and the psycho-social and economic circumstances. Maternal health and prenatal development have recently been added as additional conditions for appropriate growth and later health.