This paper shows the distribution of the body compartments, and the age and gender related changes in Spanish children. Subjects and Methods: A total of 231 healthy children from Madrid (Spain) were recruited and divided into 3 groups according to age (birth-5, 6-10, 11-15y). Body compartments (fat mass, lean mass and bone mass) measures were obtained from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. Total and regional body compositions were evaluated. Results: There were gender differences for TBFM (total body fat mass) in 11 - 15 year age group and for TLBM (total lean body mass) in all age groups except for the 6 - 10 year age group. TBMC (total bone mineral content) shows significant gender differences form birth. Conclusions: Contrary to boys, girls showed from early infancy a smaller proportion of muscle mass and a higher proportion of body fat (from the age of 10), with fat deposits being mostly peripheral. Bone mass and muscle mass values were higher in boys.
KeywordsBody CompositionDual Energy X-Ray AbsorptiometryChildren
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