Developing an Impedance Based Equation for Fat-Free Mass of Black Preadolescent South African Children.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a practical alternative to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for determining body composition in children. Currently, there are no population specific equations available for predicting fat-free mass (FFM) in South African populations. We determined agreement between fat-free mass measured by DXA (FFM) and FFM calculated from published multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance prediction equations (FFM); and developed a new equation for predicting FFM for preadolescent black South African children.

Bone Health, Body Composition, and Vitamin D Status of Black Preadolescent Children in South Africa.

Optimal bone health is important in children to reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Both body composition and vitamin D play an important role in bone health. This study aimed to describe bone health, body composition, and vitamin D status, and the relationship between these among a group of conveniently sampled black preadolescent South African children ( = 84) using a cross-sectional study.