This study is the most comprehensive report to date on ethnic differences in linear growth failure and feeding practices in 13 Latin American countries, based on standardized survey methods and analytical approaches.

We observe that indigenous people are more stunted than the reference group, a pattern that persists even after adjustment for wealth and place of residence. We also show that indigenous children are poorer and more likely to live in rural areas. In our evaluation of feeding practices between 6 and 23 months of age, we find that complementary feeding in indigenous children is more inadequate than in the reference group, although said children have the advantage of breastfeeding more during this period. The poor feeding practices among indigenous children can be explained by limited availability and access to food, mainly in terms of the diversity of their diet, as they live with high food insecurity.

Regarding Afro-descendant children, we observed a lower prevalence of stunting than the reference group in countries of the Latin American region. We did not find a clear pattern in their feeding practices.

It is essential to continue studying ethnic inequalities, mainly in the indigenous population of the Latin American region, to indicate priority areas for health and nutrition policies and reduce inequalities.

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