A "height growth supplement" popular among parents showed little effect as of the 23rd. The Korean Society of Pediatric Endocrinology said this in a survey of social perceptions on proper growth and healthy lifestyle habits conducted with 2,012 parents. The medical community advises that sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise are important.
The survey found that 3 out of 10 parents used height growth supplements to increase their children's height. Four out of 10 children ages 5 to 6 took calcium and vitamin D. However, 76% of parents answered that the actual effect of height growth supplements was either ineffective or average.
Parents said they wanted their children to grow to an average of 180.4 centimeters for males and 166.7 centimeters for females. That is more than 5 centimeters taller than the average height of Korean adults, reflecting a preference for greater height. A society official said, "Parents want an easy method rather than correcting their children's lifestyle habits," adding, "There are cases where one child takes multiple supplements, and excessive intake of nutrients that are not lacking can cause problems."
Five percent of parents even administered growth hormone injections to their children. Growth hormone injections are originally used for patients with hormone deficiency or Turner syndrome. Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder in which height does not increase. When a healthy child receives growth hormone, pain, bleeding, and bruising can occur at the injection site, and the joints and spine can be affected. There is also a possibility of gigantism. Hwang Il-tae, president of the Korean Society of Pediatric Endocrinology, said, "Growth is not resolved by short-term supplements or injections."
The medical community says lifestyle habits come first. In the survey, 36% of elementary school children and 80% of middle and high school children slept less than eight hours a day. Among preschoolers, 26% slept less than eight hours a day. They lacked sleep, which is essential for growth and development.
Use of electronic devices such as smartphones is also having a negative impact on growth. Seven out of 10 parents said their children use electronic devices for two hours or more a day on weekends. Three out of 10 preschoolers used electronic devices for at least one hour but less than two hours on weekdays. Among middle and high school students, 7 to 8 out of 10 used electronic devices right up until falling asleep.
A lack of exercise and eating habits also needed improvement. Half of parents said their children exercised fewer than three times a week. Two out of 10 children did not eat three meals a day. A society official said, "To grow taller, it is important to stick to the basics of exercise, diet, and sleep."