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Cell Membrane Capacitance and Characteristic Frequency Among Youth and Adults: Reference Data From NHANES 1999-2000
Kworweinski Lafontant1, Marcus Robinson1, Danielle A Sterner1
1Physiology of Work and Exercise Response (POWER) Lab, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA.
Journal of the American Nutrition Association
|May 21, 2026
Summary
This study provides normative bioelectrical impedance data for cell membrane capacitance (Cm) and characteristic frequency (fc) in youth and adults. Findings reveal significant differences between age and sex groups, highlighting potential for these measures in assessing cell membrane health.
Area of Science:
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis
- Cell membrane physiology
- Human physiology reference data
Background:
- Cell membrane capacitance (Cm) and characteristic frequency (fc) are understudied bioelectrical parameters.
- Limited reference data exists for Cm and fc, hindering their clinical application.
- These parameters may offer insights into cell membrane integrity and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative reference data for Cm and fc in youth and adult populations.
- To compare Cm and fc values between different age and sex subgroups.
- To evaluate the relationship between fc and fat-free mass (FFM) and compare fc to a 50 kHz approximation.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of the 1999-2000 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset.
- Utilized bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy data from male and female youth (8-17 years) and adults (18-49 years).
- Employed Mann-Whitney U tests for subgroup comparisons and Wilcoxon rank test for comparing fc to 50 kHz.
Main Results:
- Reported ranges for Cm (0.43-4.68 nF) and fc (20.0-95.0 kHz) across age groups.
- Youth exhibited significantly lower Cm and higher fc than adults (p < .001).
- Males showed significantly higher Cm and lower fc than females (p < .001); fc differed from 50 kHz in youth and adults.
Conclusions:
- Cm correlates with FFM differences between age and sex groups.
- fc demonstrates an inverse, quadratic relationship with FFM, with a nadir in adulthood.
- Cm and fc show promise as noninvasive indicators of cell membrane function and maturation, warranting further research.
Keywords:
Bioimpedancebioelectrical impedance analysisbioelectrical impedance spectroscopylife-spannormativeMore Related Videos
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