Body Composition Analysis by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Compared to Chemical Analysis of Fat, Lean and Bone Mass in Small Piglets

The influence of nutrient intake on body composition in growing low birthweight infants is essential knowledge in order to optimize nutritional management for the support of growth and development. Until recently, indirect methods of measuring body composition were inappropriate; but the latest generation of whole body densitometers, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) may be a useful tool for this age group. The application of DXA for quantitative assessment of fat, lean and bone mass should provide measures with precision and accuracy while being safe and noninvasive for use in infants and small children. Our objective was to establish the precision and accuracy of DXA measurements of whole body bone mineral content (BMC), fat and lean tissue in young piglets which are similar in body composition to infants1,2.