How to grow taller than your genetic height

Scientists estimate that about 80 percent of an individual’s height is determined by the DNA sequence variations they have inherited, but which genes these changes are in and what they do to affect height are only partially understood.

Some rare gene variants have dramatic effects on height (for example, variants in the FGFR3gene cause achondroplasia, a rare condition characterized by short stature). For most individuals, though, height is controlled largely by a combination of genetic variants that each have more modest effects on height, plus a smaller contribution from environmental factors (such as nutrition).

Height genetics from mother or father

More than 700 such gene variants have been discovered and many more are expected to be identified. Some of these variants are in genes that directly or indirectly affect cartilage in growth plates, which are areas in the long bones of the legs and arms where new bone is produced, lengthening the bones as children grow.

The function of many other height-associated genes remains unknown.

In addition to the FGFR3 gene, researchers hav

where does a child get their height from

is height determined by mother or father