A Chinese actress was cautioned by doctors after she added height-enhancing drugs to her son’s food. - Illustrative Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Xiaohongshu
BEIJING: Doctors in China issued a critical health warning after a well-known actress drew significant attention when she added “height-boosting” medicine to her 11-year-old son’s meals.
Deng Sha, 38, celebrated for her roles in popular Chinese costume TV dramas and boasting 7 million followers on Weibo, shared a video of herself preparing a nutritious dish for her son.
During the cooking process, Deng sprinkled some powder from a “height-boosting” drug onto the food.
She stated that her son, affectionately nicknamed Big Linzi, was among the shortest boys in his class, standing at 146cm compared to the average height of between 160cm and 170cm.
Big Linzi appeared on a renowned reality television show named Super Mom alongside Deng. His adorable and polite demeanour left a lasting impression on viewers.
The video rapidly became front page news across mainland China’s internet and has garnered over 100 million views on Weibo.
There is currently no evidence supporting the effectiveness of the capsules, and the specific brand and supplement composition were not disclosed.
In China, certain children’s health supplements marketed as “height enhancers” contain Vitamin D and the amino acid L-lysine, typically priced between 200 and 400 yuan (US$28-US$56) per bottle.
Reports from the mainland indicate that the National Medical Products Administration has not approved any drugs or medical devices for height enhancement.
All products claiming such effects are likely engaging in false advertising, and their use could potentially endanger children’s health.
Doctors in China strongly caution the general public against using such height-boosting supplements on children.
Ma Huijuan, a paediatric expert at Zhejiang Zhongshan Hospital, informed Shanghai Television that while these products may temporarily stimulate growth, they can also prematurely close a child’s growth plates, potentially leading to various side effects.
Ma highlighted that Big Linzi’s height falls within the normal range for children.
She further noted that a child’s height is primarily influenced by genetics and can be effectively supported through a balanced diet and adequate Vitamin D from sunlight.
Online, Deng received a mixture of support and criticism, igniting a vibrant debate among netizens.
One online observer advised Deng not to fret unduly about her son’s height, pointing out that boys typically experience a rapid growth spurt during secondary school.
However, Deng countered that argument, stating: “What if he does not grow taller later? It would be too late to do anything by then.”
Another individual expressed solidarity with Deng, commenting: “Every parent wants their child to grow healthy and strong. A mother would certainly not wish harm upon her son.”
There have been additional reports of attempts at height enhancement throughout China.
A 29-year-old man from central China’s Henan province felt inferior due to his height of only 164cm.
He underwent leg-lengthening surgery costing 100,000 yuan (US$14,000), only to be dissatisfied with the uneven results in his legs. - South China Morning Post
