Total body fat mass based on the 4.4 MeV carbon peak in the in vivo prompt-gamma spectrum of the human body using241Am, Be neutrons

Abstract

The feasibility of measuring total body carbon (TBC) based on prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) of the human body was examined. Preliminary analyzes for 33 healthy pre-menopausal women indicated a range of TBC values (7.1+4.4 kg) which translated to 17.1+6.5 kg body fat (27.9%+7.9% of body weight). An advantage of the PGAA measurement is that fat mass can be obtained simultaneous with that of total body protein mass, both indices serving as useful body composition markers of the nutritional status.