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The effect of acute fluid consumption on measures of impedance and percent body fat estimated using segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 63, pages 1115–1122 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

To determine the effect of acute fluid consumption on measures of impedance and percent body fat (%BF) estimated using segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (SBIA).

Subjects/Methods:

Seventy-six healthy, recreationally active adults (41 women; 35 men) volunteered to participate in this study (mean±s.d.; age, 21.0±1.6 years; body mass index, 25.0±3.2 kg/m2). Subjects had their body composition assessed on three separate occasions. After a baseline measurement, subjects consumed 591 ml of water (H2O), a carbohydrate/electrolyte drink (CHOE) or received nothing (CON). Subjects were reassessed 20, 40 and 60 min following (POST) the baseline measure in each fluid condition.

Results:

Twenty minutes after drinking a H2O or CHOE beverage, %BF (1.1 and 1.2%), impedance (12 and 14 Ω) and body mass increased significantly (P<0.001). During the CON trial, %BF (0.3 and 0.5%) and impedance (7 and 11 Ω) also increased significantly above baseline values at 40 and 60 min POST. However, the normal hourly variability was significantly (P<0.009) less than the observed fluid-induced %BF alterations. The greatest %BF increases were observed in the lightest subjects, who were women. Fluid type had no effect on the magnitude of change POST.

Conclusions:

Twenty minutes after drinking, %BF estimates increased approximately 1.0% due to elevations in impedance and body mass. As such, we recommend adhering to the pretest fluid restriction guideline to avoid fluid-induced alterations in SBIA body composition measures. In addition, use of a consistent testing schedule may minimize normal %BF variation over time.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to gratefully acknowledge all subjects for their participation in this investigation. This investigation was supported by College of Liberal Arts—Special Initiatives Award from Bloomsburg University (JLA).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Science, Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA, USA

    C B Dixon

  2. Department of Exercise Science, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA, USA

    L Ramos, E Fitzgerald, D Reppert & J L Andreacci

Authors
  1. C B Dixon
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  2. L Ramos
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  3. E Fitzgerald
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  4. D Reppert
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  5. J L Andreacci
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C B Dixon.

Additional information

Contributors: CBD and JLA were responsible for study design, data analysis and writing of the manuscript. EF, DR and LR were responsible for performing the experiments and data entry.

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Dixon, C., Ramos, L., Fitzgerald, E. et al. The effect of acute fluid consumption on measures of impedance and percent body fat estimated using segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis. Eur J Clin Nutr 63, 1115–1122 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2009.42

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