The fat and water content of the dead infants skinfold

Precentages of total fat and water in skinfold tissue from the suprailiac site were estimated in 46 newborn infants of varying gestations. No significant correlation between fat content and gestation was present and no marked difference existed between the sexes at term (the mean fat value in males being 44.6% and that in females 41.5%). A significant correlation was demonstrated between water content and gestation, levels decreasing from 86% at 30/52 to 65% at 40/52, and the mean water value in term males was, at 68.9%, significantly different from the female mean of 59.33%.