Bio Impedance Analysis (BIA)
Bioimpedance analysis is a quick 5 minute test which gives objective information we use when designing and monitoring any of our health programs (weight loss or weight gain, detoxification, immune challenges, etc.). The BIA is the assessment of body composition using electrical tissue conductivity. It simply involves placing two adhesive electrodes on the hand and wrist, and two on the ankle and foot. The computer then runs a very small current through the body for 10 seconds while the patient is lying down. It’s non-invasive and comfortable. Results are printed instantly.
Health and well-being are closely tied to the health of the body’s fat-free mass and body cell mass compartments. By focusing attention on these mass compartments, therapeutic strategies are more effective because results can be measured objectively. The Biomarkers 2000 device, a bioimpedance analyzer, provides a direct readout of the impedance of the human body, and estimates of fat mass, fat-free mass (lean body mass), body cell mass, extracellular mass, total body water, intracellular water and extracellular water.
Applications:
How accurate is the test compared to similar tests?
The BIA is extremely accurate when performed properly. The current ‘gold standard’ for body fat testing is the hydrostatic method (submersion under water), with an error margin around .5 to 1 ½ %, whereas the BIA error margin is around 1 to 2 ½ %. However, BIA reveals information others don’t.What does it tell me?
The BIA accurately measures important metabolic & nutritional data – including:
References
Ott M, et al. Bioelectrical impedance analysis as a predictor of survival in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Journal of Acquired Deficiency Syndromesand Human Retrovirology, 1995; 9:20-25.
Guo SS, et al. Aging, body composition, and lifestyle: the Fels Longitudinal Study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1999; 70:405-11.
Gupta D, Lammersfeld CA, et al. Bioimpedance analysis as a prognostic indicator in breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2008; 8:249
Nutrition intervention in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Journal of American Dietetic Association, 2001; 101:801-819.
