Anthropometry prediction equations to assess body composition in early infancy

Skinfold FM & FFM equations in infancy

Anthropometry objective

Simple measures - skinfolds

29th October 2021

Richard Powell, MRC Epidemiology Unit

Derived and validated anthropometry-based equations for infant FM and FFM using simple parameters often measured in infant studies (sex, age, weight, length and skinfolds measurements from flank, subscapular and triceps). These equations appeared to be more robust in predicting infant FM and FFM when compared to other published childhood equations despite the presence of proportional bias. These equations are fit for use in longitudinal infant cohorts or trials, when reference methods, such as ADP-PEA Pod, are not feasible.