Bioimpedence Analysis (BIA) – What is it anyway??

Bioimpedance Analysis is an accurate and quick test that gives us objective information we then use when designing & monitoring your individualized health programs (weight loss or weight gain, detoxification, immune challenges, etc).

How does it work? Bioimpedance analysis (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.

Bioimpedance Analysis Machines

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: • Acute/Chronic Disease • Geriatrics • Obesity/Weight Loss Program • Lifestyle Assessment • Eating Disorders • Athletic Performance

How accurate is the test compared to other tests of this type? The BIA test is extremely accurate when performed properly. The current ‘gold standard’ for body fat testing only is still the hydrostatic method (getting dunked under the water), with an error margin of around .5 to 1 ½ %, whereas the BIA error margin is around 1 to 2 ½ %. However, the BIA accurately measures crucial data – including intracellular water (a good health indicator), extracellular water (a good toxin indicator) and phase angle (good indicator of cell health and fatty acid balance) – which the hydrostatic method does not. Also, the BIA is more convenient…you don’t need to get wet!

SUMMARY and VALIDITY: We have performed hundreds of these tests and have found that the results have been reliable to base our programs for detoxification, improving function, losing weight safely with respect to body composition, and monitoring improvements in overall function in combination with our other methods.

Bioimpedance Analysis References

References Ott M, et al. Bioelectrical impedance analysis as a predictor of survival in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Journal of Acquired Deficiency Syndromes and 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. Position of the American Dietetic Association. 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. Blackburn GL. Managing obesity in America: An Overview. Advanced Studies in Medicine, 2002; 2(2):40-49. Lee CD, et al. US weight guidelines: Is it also important to consider cardiorespiratory fitness? Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, 1998 Aug; 22 Supplement 2:52-7. Position of the American Dietetic Association, Dieticians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine. Nutrition and athletic performance. Journal of American Dietetic Association, 2000; 100:1543-1556.