Higher dietary quality and muscle mass decrease the odds of low phase angle in bioelectrical impedance analysis in Brazilian individuals

Aim: Phase angle is a bioimpedance parameter that is suggested as an indicator of cellular death and membrane integrity. Studies have shown an association between phase angle and nutritional status in many diseases, but little is known about its association with body composition and diet in free-living individuals. The present study investigated potential associations of dietary and anthropometric parameters with phase angle. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 493 individuals (97 men and 396 women), older than 18 years, clinically screened for a lifestyle modification program from 2005 to 2011. All participants were assessed for body composition, anthropometric and dietary data, and were divided in two groups according to the cut-off point of phase angle determined by the median value (6.35 degrees). Statistical comparisons were undertaken between groups and logistic regression was performed to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI for the potential predictors of phase angle. Results: Participants with phase angle of 6.35 degrees or below were older, had lower body mass index, waist circumference, muscle mass index, energy intake and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score. After adjustments for confounding factors, higher muscle mass index (OR: 0.425; 95% CI: 0.204-0.887) and higher HEI score (OR: 0.357; 95% CI: 0.190-0.672) showed lower odds for low phase angle. Conclusions: Higher dietary quality and muscle mass decreased the odds for low phase angle.