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Human Height, Milk, and GDP per capita: An Instrumental Variable Analysis from Global Panel Data

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  • Joshua Ping Ang

    (North Carolina A&T State University)

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between milk consumption and human height using panel data for 108 countries from 1990 to 2016. GDP per capita is used as an instrumental variable for milk consumption, while accounting for dietary composition and socioeconomic conditions. The results show a positive relationship between milk consumption and average height, with larger estimates when potential endogeneity is addressed. The findings suggest that milk consumption is an important dietary factor associated with population-level differences in human height.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua Ping Ang, 2026. "Human Height, Milk, and GDP per capita: An Instrumental Variable Analysis from Global Panel Data," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 46(3), pages 1151-1160.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-25-00632
    as

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    File URL: http://www.accessecon.com/Pubs/EB/2026/Volume46/EB-26-V46-I3-P95.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Grasgruber, P. & Sebera, M. & Hrazdíra, E. & Cacek, J. & Kalina, T., 2016. "Major correlates of male height: A study of 105 countries," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 21(C), pages 172-195.
    5. Baten, Jörg & Komlos, John, 1998. "Height and the Standard of Living," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 58(3), pages 866-870, September.
    6. Grasgruber, P. & Hrazdíra, E., 2020. "Nutritional and socio-economic predictors of adult height in 152 world populations," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 37(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health

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