Comparison of the doubly labeled water (2H218O) method with indirect calorimetry and a nutrient-balance study for simultaneous determination of energy expenditure, water intake, and metabolizable energy intake in preterm infants

Abstract

The doubly labeled water method was compared with indirect calorimetry and a nutrient-balance study for simultaneous determination of rates of CO₂ production, energy expenditure, and water intake over 5 days in four preterm infants. Additionally, metabolizable energy (ME) intake estimated using the isotope procedure (as energy expenditure plus an estimate for energy deposition based on weight gain), was compared to ME intake measured in the balance study. Compared to values obtained by traditional methods, calculated CO₂ production, energy expenditure, and water intake differed by −1.4 ± 4.8% (SD), +0.3 ± 2.6%, and +5.7 ± 1.4%, respectively; the difference in water intake was significant (p < 0.05). Calculated ME intakes were 5.3 ± 19.3% less than measured intakes, but the difference was not significant. These findings indicate that the doubly labeled water method can provide accurate information on rates of CO₂ production, energy expenditure, and water intake in preterm infants, but individual estimates of ME intake may be subject to substantial error.