Patient's question:
Medical Description: My son is 15 years old and only 160cm tall. Both of his parents are short, measuring 153cm and 163cm respectively. Over the past two days, I had him undergo the following tests:Bone Age Test: Left wrist ulna and radius have not fully healed.
Micronutrient Test: Zinc 8.82 umol/L, low.
IGF-1 Test: Normal.
Growth Hormone Test: 0.098 ng/ml, too low.
Is there a problem? How can it be improved?
Previous Treatment and Effects: No treatment has been done.
Help Needed: Please advise if there is a problem and how it can be improved.
Doctor's answer:
The development of height is primarily determined by the growth of long bones, and the growth of long bones depends on whether the epiphyseal plates are completely closed. If they are completely closed, the possibility of further development is relatively small. At the age of 15, they are generally not closed, but early closure can occur. It is recommended that you first check whether the epiphyseal plates are completely closed. In terms of diet, focus on calcium-rich foods such as lean meat, cartilage, eggs, dairy products, and shellfish. Additionally, increase activities involving running and jumping, and spend more time outdoors in the sun to enhance the skin's natural synthesis of Vitamin D, which promotes calcium absorption and utilization.