The height of the parents does not determine the height of the child

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Many dads and moms think that their children will be the same height , like themselves. However, a new study suggests using more accurate information for this prediction.

Australian scientists from the University of Queensland concluded that DNA is the best indicator of a child's future growth than any parameters of its parents.

The largest genetic study of growth in history was conducted, using the DNA of more than 5 million people. Its authors suggest that they have managed to fill a significant gap in the understanding of how certain genetic differences explain differences in height.

80% of differences in height for humans are determined by genetics. The researchers found 12,000 variants that explained 40% of the differences in growth. Hence, the possibility of using DNA to predict height more accurately than ever before is emerging.

Currently, the best way to predict a young child's height is based on the average height of his biological parents. But using genomic data, pediatricians will be able to get a more accurate estimate. This will give parents peace of mind as they will see that the children are growing according to their genetics. It can also trigger further medical studies that will detect potential growth disorders at an early stage when they can be removed without serious consequences.