I have a 12-year-old son who seems to have stopped growing. He has only grown one inch in the last year. I was in a health food store and there was a big manual on alternative medicine that recommended an amino acid called L-ornithine as well as zinc supplements to help with growth. It also mentioned that L-lysine could help. Do you know if these are effective? What are the dosages? Is there anything else we should be aware of in using them?

A.

First I would recommend a visit with your son's doctor to evaluate his growth. The doctor will be able to advise you if this is a matter of concern or not.

The average age of puberty onset in boys is 11-12, with the normal range from 10-14. All boys will experience a growth spurt, usually 1-2 years after the onset of puberty. This growth spurt lasts about three years with an average of 3 1/2 inches of height per year. Male puberty begins with enlargement of the testicles, followed in about a year with the growth of pubic hair and enlargement of the penis. Unless your son has signs of advanced pubertal development such as pubic hair and enlargement of his genitals, he probably has not reached the age at which we would expect a growth spurt in height.

I would not recommend the use of any amino acid supplements for growth. However all kids can benefit from a good multiple vitamin and mineral supplement. It will insure that he is getting the necessary vitamins and minerals to ensure proper growth and a healthy body and immune system. Also, be sure that he is eating a healthy diet. Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish and eggs and dairy products are important for proper growth. He should not limit calories or use a low fat diet. If your son is overweight or has high cholesterol, his doctor can advise you on the best dietary changes.

Be sure to provide your son with lots of support and reassurance that he will grow and develop normally. Remember that kids develop at different ages and different rates and that your son may be developing at a different rate than you did or his friends are.

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