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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements in 3D Optical Imaging for Comprehensive Body Composition Assessment in Modern Research
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Author Spotlight: Advancements in 3D Optical Imaging for Comprehensive Body Composition Assessment in Modern Research

Published on: June 7, 2024

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Body composition at 2 years of age in moderate and late preterm infants

Anne H Lafeber1,2, Mark Bosch1, Dewi van Harskamp3,4,5

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, North West Clinics, Alkmaar, the Netherlands.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|February 21, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Moderate and late preterm infants show altered body composition at two years, with higher fat mass and lower fat-free mass compared to term-born infants. Early-life weight gain impacts fat mass, suggesting a need for further research into feeding and growth. Keywords: preterm infants, body composition, fat mass, fat-free mass.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • Moderate and late preterm infants (MLPTI) exhibit distinct body composition compared to term-born infants.
  • Limited data exists on the body composition of MLPTI beyond infancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess body composition at 2 years corrected age (CA) in MLPTI.
  • To compare MLPTI body composition with term-born infant data.
  • To identify associations between early-life growth and body composition in MLPTI.

Main Methods:

  • Inclusion of MLPTI born between 32 0/7 and 35 6/7 weeks' gestation.
  • Body composition analysis at 2 years CA using deuterium-labeled water.
  • Multivariable regression to analyze early-life growth associations with body composition.

Main Results:

  • Higher mean percentage body fat mass (25.3%) and lower mean fat-free percentage (74.7%) in MLPTI at 2 years CA.
  • Mean fat mass index (FMI) was 3.9 kg/m², and fat-free mass index (FFMI) was 11.4 kg/m².
  • A 1 SD increase in weight z score from term-age to 3 months correlated with 2.2% higher fat mass at 2 years CA (p=0.025), but not FMI.

Conclusions:

  • MLPTI demonstrate higher fat mass percentages and lower fat-free mass index at 2 years CA compared to term-born infants.
  • Findings suggest altered body composition characterized by reduced fat-free mass rather than excess fat accumulation.
  • Further research on body composition, feeding, and weight management in MLPTI is warranted.
Abstract

Keywords:
fat massgrowthneonatal outcomesnutrition

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