Abstract
Water and energy are essential for the human body. The doubly labeled water (DLW) method measures water turnover (WT) and total energy expenditure (TEE), which serves as a benchmark for the adequate intake (AI) of water and estimated energy requirements (EER). The objective of the current study was to examine the association of WT and TEE with physical activity and body composition in Japanese preschool children. We included 41 preschool children (22 girls, 19 boys) aged 3–6 in this study. WT, TEE, and fat-free mass (FFM) were obtained using DLW. Physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer and categorized as light (LPA; 1.5–2.9 Metabolic equivalents, METs) and of moderate-to-vigorous intensity (MVPA; ≥3.0 METs). Exercise duration (Ex) was defined as ≥4.0 METs of physical activity. WT and TEE moderately positively correlated with Ex, but not with LPA. WT moderately positively correlated with BW and FFM while TEE strongly. We established predictive equations for WT and TEE using body weight (BW), FFM, step count, and Ex to guide the AI of water and EER in Japanese preschool children. We found that FFM and step count are the determinants of TEE, and that BW and Ex are the determinants of WT in preschool children.
Highlights
Water and energy are required by the human body as essential nutrients [1,2,3]
The present study aims to investigate the association between water turnover (WT) and total energy expenditure (TEE) with physical activity and fat-free mass (FFM) in preschool children, 4–6 years of age, in Japan
BMI, body mass index; TBW, total body water; FFM, fat-free mass; %fat, percent body fat; TEE, total energy expenditure; BMRJapanese, predicted basal metabolic rate calculated using the equation for the Japanese population; BMRSchofield, predicted basal metabolic rate calculated using the Schofield equation; PAL, physical activity level based on BMRJapanese; LPA, light-intensity physical activity; MVPA, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; Ex, Exercise duration
Summary
Water and energy are required by the human body as essential nutrients [1,2,3]. Humans can only survive for a few days in the absence of water. Growth and development of children is hindered by malnutrition; poor energy intake brings about stunting and wasting, while excessive energy intake is a leading factor in overweight and obesity [4]. Determining the adequate intake (AI) of water and estimated energy requirement (EER) is vital for children. The doubly labeled water (DLW) method is a technique that measures water turnover (WT) [5] and total energy expenditure (TEE) [6], which are the benchmark for the AI of water and EER, respectively. The DLW technique is costly and time wasting, which makes the method limited for research purposes.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
