Advances in Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for Clinical Nutrition

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is an established tool in clinical nutrition, providing a quick, non-invasive, and cost-effective means of assessing body composition and hydration status. Its clinical importance has grown in recent years, thanks to advances in measurement techniques and data interpretation. Traditionally, BIA relies on predictive equations that use bioelectrical data, along with additional parameters, to estimate components of body composition such as fat-free mass, muscle mass, and body fluids.

An alternative and increasingly recognized approach is Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA), which examines raw BIA parameters—such as resistance, reactance, and phase angle (PhA)—without the use of predictive models, offering a qualitative assessment of both body composition and cellular health. Among BIVA-derived parameters, PhA has emerged as a valuable biomarker associated with cell membrane integrity and body cell mass. It has also proven to be a reliable indicator for malnutrition, sarcopenia, and risk of mortality across different disease statuses.

This Research Topic aims to highlight recent developments and clinical applications of BIA and BIVA in nutrition. We welcome contributions that explore their methodological foundations, clinical utility, and role in supporting nutritional assessment and care in diverse patient populations.

We welcome manuscripts, reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses focusing on body composition assessment using BIA and BIVA techniques, particularly in relation to:

○ age (adults, elderly, children, etc.) or physiological conditions (e.g., menopause)
○ ethnicity
○ gender
○ nutritional protocols (Mediterranean diet, ketogenic diet, vegetarian diets, and others)
○ changes in the gut microbiota
○ healthy individuals or those with pathological conditions (e.g., metabolic, gastrointestinal, or chronic diseases; eating disorders; malnutrition; sarcopenia; sarcobesity; etc.)

By showcasing advancements and clinical implications of BIA and BIVA, this Research Topic aims to deepen understanding of their value in nutrition science and patient care. We hope it will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, guide best practices, and inspire further research into innovative methods for body composition assessment in various health contexts. Ultimately, these insights will contribute to more personalized and effective nutritional interventions, improving outcomes and quality of life for patients worldwide.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, BIA, Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis, BIVA, Phase Angle, Body Composition, Nutritional Assessment, Malnutrition, Sarcopenia, Cellular Health, Hydration Status, Clinical Nutrition, Predictive Equations

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.