Parents genetics determine your height?

[Jasmin]

I was wondering; Is it possible to grow tall even if your parents arent tall? Im 5'7 and would like to grow another 2 inches. I've been taking suppliments like zinc and calcium to assist in growth. Is there anything else I could do or am I wasting my time?

[Rekkr]

Generally, height is genetic. Children are almost always in and around the same height as their parents. But eating healthy foods may allow you to grow to your maximum height.

[rakuenso]

for me.. running and drinking lots of milk made me grow (like a lot) as compared to my parents

[swansont]

Generally, height is genetic. Children are almost always in and around the same height as their parents. But eating healthy foods may allow you to grow to your maximum height.

 

But a lot of the nutrition aspect is determined while you are very young.

[muhali3]

Genetics is not all of it. I've seen identical twins that have heights that are different by two inches or more. Exercise, Protein/Dairy Foods, and adequate sleep are the main factors outside of genetics. I too am concerned about my height because im only 5' 6" right now, although my 'genetic potential' is 5' 9".

To keep growing you have to prevent your epiphysis on your long bones from

fusing. This is why exercise, sleep, and nutrition are important factors, because they allow production of steroid hormones which can help the chondrocytes (cartilage) in the area proliferate and thus prevent closure. If you are 17 or above, i would say your chances at growing two or more inches is pretty slim, but there are always exceptions.

 

btw, i also have a question, how would you be able to grow taller than your parents if they grew up to their full genetic potential? Wouldn't the only possible way be for two recessive 'tall' alleles to come together?

 

Here are some informational sites on height:

 

http://www.unu.edu/unupress/food2/UID06E/uid06e18.htm

 

http://www.chennaionline.com/health/Homoeopathy/2004/07homoeopathy03.asp

 

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/yahtpredictor.html

 

I also want to grow taller, so i posted this thread to find out the stimuli for growth hormone:

 

http://www.scienceforums.net/forums/showthread.php?t=9345