Phase angle as an indicator of nutritional status: a cross-sectional study on the Iranian population

Area of Science:

• Human Physiology
• Nutritional Science
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Phase angle (PA) from bioelectrical impedance analysis indicates cellular health, membrane integrity, and hydration.
• Limited research exists on PA's relationship with nutrition and lifestyle in Iranian populations.
• This study addresses the gap by examining PA associations in Iranian adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between phase angle (PA) and nutritional and lifestyle factors in Iranian adults.
• To explore potential sex-based differences in these associations.
• To establish PA as a potential marker for nutritional and cellular health.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 239 Iranian university employees (85 men, 154 women).
• Measurements included anthropometrics, blood pressure, and PA via Body Composition Analyzer.
• Dietary intake assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ); physical activity by IPAQ.

Main Results:

• Significant positive correlations found between PA and weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, fat-free mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and visceral fat.
• Phase angle demonstrated significant associations with dietary intake variables.
• Notable sex-based differences were observed in the associations.

Conclusions:

• Significant associations exist between phase angle, body composition, and dietary factors in Iranian adults.
• Phase angle may serve as a valuable indicator for assessing nutritional and cellular health.
• Sex-based differences in PA associations warrant further investigation.