New and simple equations to estimate the energy and fat contents and energy density of humans in sickness and health

Abstract

Two formulas were derived to estimate the energy content of the human body which use only body mass, total body water by 3 H 2 O dilution space and body minerals assessed by anthropometry. The formulas were tested in a body composition database of 561 patients and 151 normal volunteers using established metabolizable energy values for protein, fat and glycogen. Total body protein was determined by in vivo neutron activation analysis (IVNAA), body water by dilution of tritium and body minerals from skeletal frame size. Body glycogen was assumed to be 14.6 % of the mineral component. Body fat was obtained by difference, body mass less the sum of water, protein, minerals and glycogen. The standard deviation in the estimate of body energy content was 30 MJ or 4.1 % of the energy content of reference man. Two formulas for body energy content were derived by regression with body mass, total body water and body minerals or height. Two formulas for energy density and formulas for percentage body fat were similarly derived.