Causes of malnutrition were investigated in agricultural area of Gilan, Iran. Family food availability and adult food intakes were adequate, but intakes of young children were deficient, in all socioeconomic groups, reflected in growth deficits. Associated factors were: late introduction and small quantities of solid food, poor maternal knowledge of child feeding, low dietary energy density due to rationing and high price of animal products, contamination of water supply, and use of sedative drugs.