Early life growth is related to pubertal growth and adult height – a QEPS-model analysis

Abstract

The early life growth period, from conception to ~2 years of age, has proven crucial for later health. We hypothesized that early life growth could explain variations in pubertal growth and timing, and adult height. This retrospective, population-based study was conducted in Sweden. A subgroup, including individuals of all gestational ages and birth sizes (n = 4700, 50% males), from the longitudinal GrowUp1974&1990Gothenburg cohorts was used. QEPS variables were analyzed in univariate and multivariate linear regression models, separately per sex; Q-function throughout all growth periods, and specific E- and P-functions, for early life growth and pubertal growth, respectively. In multivariate models, early life growth explained 37–38% of the variability in specific pubertal growth, but less so the variability in pubertal timing. Variability in adult height was explained by birth size (57–62%), early growth (66–67%), childhood growth (65–69%), and to a lesser degree by mid-parental height (35–39%). The change in height during puberty explained 8–9% of the variation in adult height. This study indicates that early life growth is strongly associated with the variability in pubertal growth, and adult height, but not with the timing of pubertal growth.