Potassium per kilogram fat-free mass and total body potassium: predictions from sex, age, and anthropometry

Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Feb;284(2):E416-23. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.0199.2001.

Abstract

Total body potassium (TBK) is located mainly intracellularly and constitutes an index of fat-free mass (FFM). The aim was to examine whether TBK and the TBK-to-FFM ratio (TBK/FFM) can be estimated from sex, age, weight, and height. A primary study group (164 males, 205 females) and a validation group (161 and 206), aged 37-61 yr, were randomly selected from the general population. TBK was determined by whole body counting, and FFM was obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA; FFM(DEXA)). The primary study group was used to construct sex-specific equations predicting TBK and TBK/FFM from age, weight, and height. The equations were used to estimate TBK and TBK/FFM in the validation group. The estimates were compared with measured values. TBK in different age ranges was predicted, with errors ranging from 5.0 to 6.8%; errors for TBK/FFM ranged from 2.7 to 4.8%, respectively. By adding FFM(DEXA) as a fourth predictor, the error of the TBK prediction decreased by approximately two percentage units. In conclusion, TBK and TBK/FFM can be meaningfully estimated from sex, age, weight, and height.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adipose Tissue
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Body Height*
  • Body Weight*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Biological*
  • Potassium / analysis*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Potassium