The prediction of total body water using bioelectrical impedance in children and adolescents.

Total body water was measured in 26 children and adolescents using the stable isotope H2O18. Body resistance was measured using a tetrapolar technique with a constant 50Khz, 800 microA alternating current. Total body water was highly correlated (r = 0.97; P less than 0.001) with height2/body resistance. Measurements of body resistance are non-invasive, rapid and readily acceptable to children. For these reasons the measurement of body resistance requires further investigation, including cross validation studies and is a potentially valuable technique for assessing body composition in the paediatric population.