ExpandYourDiet.ca - the Nutritional Education site of Andrea Bartels

What is BIA Assessment?

Bio-electrical Impedance Analysis: the measurement of the body's ability to conduct an electrical current. When used correctly, BIA is a convenient and highly accurate measurement of body composition.

What does the test measure?

BIA measures body composition: the ratio of fat-containing mass:lean (non-fat) mass, as well as fluid levels within and outside of cells. Fat mass includes all fat contained within muscle and organ systems, while lean mass includes everything non-fat, including muscle tissue and bone. Equally important, BIA measures the ratio of intracellular water: extracellular water is an important reflection of the body's current ability to absorb and utilize nutrients and expel cellular wastes.

Is this similar to a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation?

Research has shown that body composition correlates directly to level of health. Meanwhile, Body Mass Index calculations of height and weight offer no insight whatsoever on the tissue and fluid compartments comprising an individual.

How can I benefit from a BIA reading?

Since its purpose is to assess and improve function, the BIA test can assist healthy patients in maintaining the healthy ratios of body tissue and fluid necessary for optimal function, productivity, immunity, physical performance and longevity. For patients with sub-optimal health, unhealthy ratios of fat, lean mass and cellular water ratios correlate with increased risk of disease and accelerated aging. Once your body composition has been measured, specific lifestyle modifications can be implemented to elevate levels of lean mass and improve cellular water distribution.

How is the test performed?

The subject assumes a lying down, face- up position. Four adhesive sensor pads are placed on the test subject: 2 on the back of the subject's right wrist and two on his/her ankle. A sensor cable connects the sensor pads to the Analyzer device and enables the Analyzer to generate a harmless, low-level electrical current which flows through the body. Within 10 seconds, the Analyzer has measured the ability of the tissues' response to the current. For example, fat will block the current while muscle will allow it to travel back more quickly to the machine.