Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Breastfeeding Women After an Individualized Dietary Intervention

Abstract

Body composition assessment by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in breastfeeding women can provide an insight on the changes in body tissues and the state of hydration. Our general aim was to assess the changes of BIA parameters in overweight or obese breastfeeding women after an individualized nutritional intervention. After an informed consent was signed, breastfeeding women (2–8 weeks postpartum) were randomly assigned by simple allocation in blocks (1:1) to either the intervention (In) or control (Cn) group. These two groups received general recommendations on healthy eating during the lactation period; additionally, the In group received a dynamic menu with meals based on equivalent interchangeable foods every 2 weeks for 3 months. Body composition was evaluated using anthropometry and multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance (Impedimed™) at baseline and 3 months after the intervention. Out of 345 women invited, 37 were eligible but only twenty (n = 10/group) completed the intervention program. At baseline, there were no differences in age and body mass index (BMI) and 60% of both groups of women declared exclusive breastfeeding. At the end of the program, the In group showed differences of −2.9 kg of fat mass [IQR −7.1– −0.9 (p<0.05)], −2.5 cm in waist [(IQR −5.0 – 0.2 (p=0.06)] and −3.2 cm in hip circumferences [IQR −4.7– −1.7 (p<0.05)]. Change in resistance standardized by height was ‐ 27 ohms [IQR −63–0.7 (p<0.05)]. Fat free mass and total body water remained unchanged with medians of +1.4 kg [IQR −0.15–2.6 (p=0.4)] and +0.95 kg [IQR −1.5– 3.2 (p=0.1)], respectively. This individualized nutrition intervention program designed for breastfeeding women was effective in improving the mother’s body composition. Multi‐frequency BIA can be a useful tool to monitor these changes during postpartum subjects in clinical practice. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT03640104.Support or Funding InformationLT, AGP, JCV recieved a fellowship from The National Research Council (CONACYT)