Generation of normal ranges for measures of body composition in adults based on bioelectrical impedance analysis using the seca mBCA

Background/objectives: A validated body composition analyzer using eight-electrode segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) enables a fast and accurate measurement of body compartments. For interpretation of measurement results normal ranges are needed. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, reference values for phase angle (PA), bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA), the body composition chart (BCC), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW) and fat mass (FM) were generated stratified according to gender, age and BMI using the seca mBCA 514/515. Results: 1050 healthy blood donors (532 men and 518 women, BMI 18.2 - 42.6 kg/m2) were examined before blood donation. When compared with data from the German National Nutrition Survey II, the recruited population is a representative sample. Reference percentiles (5., 10., 50., 90. and 95. percentile) were generated for all parameters. Conclusion: The developed reference percentiles can be used for diagnostic purposes and to monitor outcomes of treatments in patients.