Anthropometric standards for people

[David Woodward]

>Does any one know where to find information concerning anthropometric

>reference data for those above age 75?  I have looked all over for the

>percentiles of mid arm circumference  and tricep skin fold percentiles, but

>have been unsuceessful.  Any help or directing me in the right direction

>would be helpful.  Thanks.   Ardith   

>---

>Ardith R Brunt MS RD



The IUNS (International Union of Nutrition Sciences) in the last couple of
years has coordinated a multi-nation study of diet and nutrition in people
over 70 (including many in their 80s and 90s).  The countries included
Australia, Greece, Sweden, Philippines, Japan, China, with representative
samples of between 100 and 400 in the different countries.  Data collected
included a full range of anthropometric measures, including mid-arm
circumference and various skin folds.  While some of the groups may not be
similar ethnically to your sample, some would seem to be reasonable comparators.

There is a summary of the study in Wahlqvist et al 'The IUNS cross-cultural
study of "Food habits in later life" - an overview of key findings'.  Asia
Pacific J Clin Nutr 1995; 4: 233-243.  However, this does not have full
details of the anthropometric data.  I seem to remember that IUNS released a
disk at the end of last year with extensive information on the results.    I
suggest you contaact Prof Mark Wahlqvist at the Dept of medicine, Monash
University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia 3168 for more details.

David


David R Woodward PhD
Senior Lecturer
Division of Biochemistry
University of Tasmania
GPO Box 252-58
Hobart  Tasmania  7001
Australia

Phone 03- 6226 2675  (international 61 3 6226 2675)
Fax     03- 6226 2703  (international 61 3 6226 2703)
e-mail  David.R.Woodward at bioch.utas.edu.au