Internal medicine

Pediatrics

Bone mineral

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

Bioelectrical impedance analysis

Composition (language)

Anthropometry

Lean body mass

Body weight

Philosophy

Osteoporosis

Mass index

Body mass index

Linguistics

Plethysmograph

Fat mass

Medicine

Clinical Nutrition

Preterm birth and body composition have demonstrable effects on growth and later health outcomes. Preterm infants reach term equivalent age with a lower proportion of lean mass and higher body fat percentage than their term equivalent counterparts. Weight and length do not give an accurate assessment of body composition. Tracking body composition rather than just weight is a fundamental part of improving nutritional outcomes. This is important given the ongoing controversies regarding the nutritional needs of preterm infants, as well as establishing suitable targets for their growth.

Measuring body composition in the preterm infant: Evidence base and practicalities