Covariability factors affecting urinary vanilmandelic acid excretion and height in various human populations

The urinary excretion of vanilmandelic acid (VMA), a final product of catecholamine metabolism, has been studied in relation to height in various human groups. A positive correlation between these two variables has been demonstrated. The VMA-height relationship between groups is of a different nature than the relationship between individuals of each group. The influence of socio-professional and nutritional factors has also been taken into account. The observations are discussed in the light of Schreider's work on height, mental characteristics and socio-professional status. A hypothesis is proposed to explain how these variables and the catecholamine metabolism might share some variability factors.