Phase angle reference values in healthy Chinese adults: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Physiology
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Phase angle is a key indicator of cellular integrity and overall health.
• Existing reference values for phase angle in healthy Chinese adults are limited.
• This study addresses the need for defined normative phase angle values in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish large-scale, sex-, age-, and body mass index-stratified reference ranges for phase angle in healthy Chinese adults.
• To provide normative data for the clinical application of phase angle.
• To support early disease screening and individualized health interventions.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter descriptive cross-sectional study involving 40,074 healthy Chinese adults.
• Phase angle was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
• Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze associations with age, sex, and BMI, generating stratified percentiles.

Main Results:

• The mean phase angle was 5.52° ± 0.79°, with higher values observed in men than women.
• Phase angle showed a positive correlation with BMI (r=0.35) and a negative correlation with age (r=-0.20).
• Peak phase angle values were seen in the 30-39 age group, declining thereafter; device type did not significantly impact measurements.

Conclusions:

• The study established the first comprehensive, sex-, age-, and BIA-specific phase angle reference ranges for healthy Chinese adults.
• These normative values are essential for clinical use in health assessment.
• The findings facilitate early disease screening and the development of personalized nutrition and medical strategies.