This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Growth and development, Subject name: Pediatrics
[{'content': 'Which of the following is the best indicator of longterm nutritional status? \nSelect and explain. \nA. Mid arm circumference, B. Height for age, C. Weight for age, D. Weight for height', 'role': 'user'}, {'content': 'Answer: B \nExplanation: Height-for-age (or length-for-age for children <2 yr) is a measure of linear growth, and a deficit represents the cumulative impact of adverse events, usually in the first 1,000 days from conception, that result in stunting, or chronic malnutrition. A low height-for-age typically reflects socioeconomic disadvantage. A low weight-for-height, or wasting, usually indicates acute malnutrition. Conversely, a high weight-for-height indicates overweight. Weight-for-age is the most commonly used index of nutritional status, although a low value has limited clinical significance as it does not differentiate between wasting and stunting. Weight-for-age has the advantage of being somewhat easier to measure than indices that require height measurements. In humanitarian emergencies and some field settings, mid-upper arm circumference is used for screening wasted children . Ref.nelson 20th edition page no 298 nutrition chapter', 'role': 'assistant'}]