Accuracy and Applicability of Resting Metabolic Rate Prediction Equations Differ for Women Across the Lifespan
Pages 50-63
Kathleen Woolf, Shirley Miller, Christine Reese, Leah Beaird and Maureen Mason

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2015.04.02.3

Published: 31 July 2015

Abstract: Background: Nutrition clinicians need accurate and reliable resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessments to determine energy needs and an appropriate nutrition care plan.

Material/Methods:This cross-sectional study compared the accuracy of eight RMR prediction equations (Harris-Benedict, Robertson and Reid, Cunningham 1980, FAO/WHO/UNU, Owen, Mifflin-St. Jeor, Cunningham 1991, and Nelson) to measured RMR by indirect calorimetry among young (n=57; age: 25±3 years), midlife (n=57; age: 44±3 years), and older (n=46; age: 68±5 years) women. Paired t-tests examined differences between predicted and measured RMR. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (version 21), with significance defined as p<0.05. Bland-Altman plots displayed prediction bias and agreement. Prediction accuracy was defined when predicted RMR was ±10% of measured RMR. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone and follicle stimulating hormone concentrations were measured to assess thyroid function and ovarian reserve, respectively.

Results:The difference between predicted and measured RMR ranged from +0.6% (Owen) to +17.7% (Cunningham 1980) for the young, -2.8% (Nelson) to +18.1% (Cunningham 1980) midlife, and +2.8 (Nelson) to +26.7% (Cunningham 1980) older women. For the young women, only the Owen equation predicted RMR similar to measured RMR (p=0.905). For the older women, only the Nelson equation predicted RMR similar to measured RMR (p=0.051). All estimates using prediction equations were significantly different from measured values for midlife women.

Conclusion: Many RMR prediction equations have limited applicability for women at difference stages of the lifespan, thus impacting patient outcomes. Additional research is necessary to determine the appropriateness of RMR prediction equations among women of all ages.

Keywords: Resting metabolic rate (RMR), indirect calorimetry, RMR prediction equation, women, lifespan.

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Nutraceuticals as Functional Foods
Pages 64-72
Somya Gupta, Nayyar Parvez and Pramod Kumar Sharma

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2015.04.02.4

Published: 31 July 2015

Abstract: Nutraceuticals are considered to be fortified or enriched foods providing all the essential nutrients required for maintaining the optimal health. A numerous studies have suggested the potential association of nutraceuticals with diet and health. This article gives a brief review on the classification of nutraceuticals on the basis of the availability of the nutraceutical from the natural sources which is further being processed and proving its medical health benefits in the market. The review also summarizes about the functional nutraceuticals acting as dietary supplements, suggested to have the capacity to significantly contribute to the modulation of the complex mechanisms of disease pathology with a view being that they may be essential in optimizing in vivo defences and help in maintaining wellness. Nonetheless, several more clinical and biological studies are needed to support guidelines for the intake of nutraceutical for the prevention and treatment in specific diseases and its medical benefits.