Which indicator is used to evaluate the nutritional status of infants?

Weight-for-age is a commonly used indicator to evaluate the nutritional status of infants because it provides a measure of the child's weight in relation to their age. This metric helps in determining whether an infant is underweight, at a healthy weight, or overweight for their age. Monitoring weight-for-age is essential in identifying potential growth delays or malnutrition early in life, which can have significant implications for an infant's overall health and development.

This indicator is particularly useful because it is straightforward to obtain and can be compared against standardized growth charts, allowing health professionals to assess an infant's growth trajectory within the context of population benchmarks. By tracking changes in weight over time, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding feeding practices, nutritional interventions, and other necessary health support.

The other indicators, while relevant in specific contexts, do not provide the same direct relationship to nutritional status as weight-for-age. Birth weight may indicate health at the time of delivery but does not reflect ongoing nutritional status. Clinical signs can alert healthcare providers to potential issues but are subjective and not quantifiable measures of nutrition. Biochemical signs can be helpful for certain nutritional deficiencies but require laboratory resources and specific testing, making them less practical for routine assessments in infants.