Abstract
Accurate estimation of energy expenditure in a breastfeeding woman is crucial for maintaining the proper nutritional status of the woman and healthy development of the infant. The current literature does not contain data regarding resting energy expenditure (REE) in breastfeeding women. Using mathematical equations is the most common method of REE assessment. However, due to changes in metabolism and body composition during pregnancy and lactation, the mathematical equations used among the general population may not apply. The aim of this study was to evaluate the resting energy expenditure of exclusively breastfeeding women by using body composition analysis–estimated REE (eREE) and to provide the most appropriate predictive equations–predicted REE (pREE) based on anthropometric parameters to estimate it. This was a pilot study with 40 exclusively breastfeeding women. Height and weight were measured and body composition analysis was performed. We predicted REE using fourteen self-selected equations, based on anthropometric parameters and/or age, and/or sex. The median eREE was 1515.0 ± 68.4 kcal (95% Cl, 1477–1582 kcal) and the pREE ranged from 1149.7 kcal (95% Cl, 1088.7–1215.0) by Bernstein et al., to 1576.8 kcal (95% Cl, 1479.9–1683.4), by Müller et al. Significant differences between eREE and all pREE were observed (p < 0.001, except Korth et al. equations). The Müller et al. equation was the most accurate with the smallest individual variation. All predictive equations showed low agreement, and in most cases, the results were underestimated. These findings indicate the need for further studies to propose more suitable methods to determine the energy requirements for breastfeeding women.
Highlights
Calorie intake corresponding to energy needs is necessary to maintain a healthy body weight, and in the case of young organisms for their proper growth and development [1]
Despite the fact that the bioelectrical impedance method is not considered as a gold standard in the assessment of resting energy expenditure, it can be applied in clinical practice [22]
Because this method uses information about fat free mass (FFM), which is more responsible for the amount of resting energy expenditure than body mass itself, it seems to be more useful than mathematical formulas based on anthropometric parameters [23]
Summary
Calorie intake corresponding to energy needs is necessary to maintain a healthy body weight, and in the case of young organisms for their proper growth and development [1]. Assessment of REE using electrical bioimpedance is based on mathematical formulas that consider measured body composition parameters. This method is associated with lower costs than indirect calorimetry; its implementation is quick and simple; and the equipment is relatively light and easy to transport. Despite the fact that the bioelectrical impedance method is not considered as a gold standard in the assessment of resting energy expenditure, it can be applied in clinical practice [22] Because this method uses information about FFM, which is more responsible for the amount of resting energy expenditure than body mass itself, it seems to be more useful than mathematical formulas based on anthropometric parameters [23]. The purpose of the present pilot study was to assess which of the available mathematic equations (pREE) best reflect the value of REE estimated by the method of electrical bioimpedance (eREE) in breastfeeding women, and which of them can be used to assess energy demand in this group
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
