Study finds better living standards increase height

Better living standards lead to humans growing taller, according to new research.

The research also shows that while the Scots were taller than the English 200 years ago, they are now shorter.

Professor Bernard Harris, from the University of Southampton, is an author of a study which has examined links between nutrition, economic development and height.

He said: "Our work shows that there have been dramatic changes in child health, as reflected in achieved adult height, over the past 100 years, and other researchers have highlighted the existence of close links between improvements in child health and health in later life.

"These changes have profound implications for developments in later-life health, longevity and economic performance over the coming century. Investments we make in the health of today's children can play a pivotal role in determining the economic wellbeing of future generations."

The study explored the links between nutrition and economic development in Europe and North America since the early 1700s.