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Body composition in children based on anthropometric data. A presentation of normal values
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|October 1, 1996
Summary
This study highlights the value of simple anthropometric measurements, like skinfold thickness and mid-upper arm circumference, for assessing body composition in children. These methods provide practical tools for estimating fat-free mass and nutritional status in pediatric practice.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Anthropometry
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Assessing body composition (fat and fat-free mass) is crucial for pediatric nutritional status evaluation.
- Sophisticated body composition techniques are often impractical for routine clinical use.
- An anthropometric approach offers a simpler alternative for practical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference values for skinfold thicknesses and mid-upper arm circumference.
- To utilize these anthropometric measures for deriving body fat-free mass fraction.
- To assess the utility of these measurements in estimating arm muscle area.
Main Methods:
- Utilized skinfold thicknesses as a key anthropometric measurement.
- Incorporated mid-upper arm circumference measurements.
- Applied anthropometric formulas to derive fat-free mass fraction and arm muscle area.
Main Results:
- Presented reference values for skinfold thicknesses and mid-upper arm circumference.
- Demonstrated the derivation of fat-free mass fraction using these anthropometric data.
- Showcased the calculation of arm muscle area from the collected measurements.
Conclusions:
- Anthropometric methods, despite limitations, are valuable for estimating body composition in pediatric practice.
- Simplicity of using skinfold thicknesses and mid-upper arm circumference makes them suitable for daily pediatric use.
- These measurements aid in estimating fat-free mass and protein content in children.