Indirect Calorimetry: From Bench to Bedside

• Published in: Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism 2017-07, Vol.21 (4), p.594-599
• Main Authors: Gupta, Riddhi Das, Ramachandran, Roshna, Venkatesan, Padmanaban, Anoop, Shajith, Joseph, Mini, Thomas, Nihal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Body temperature; Calorimetry; Carbon dioxide; Diabetes; Diet; Endocrinology; Energy expenditure; Exercise; Fatty acids; Health aspects; Heat; indirect; Meals; Metabolism; Nutrition; Nutritional requirements; Obesity; Oils & fats; Physical fitness; Respiration; Review; Thermogenesis; Weight control
• ISSN: 2230-8210; 2230-9500
• DOI: 10.4103/ijem.IJEM_484_16

Accurate determination of energy expenditure (EE) is vitally important yet often neglected in clinical practice. Indirect calorimetry (IC) provides one of the most sensitive, accurate, and noninvasive measurements of EE in an individual. Over the last couple of decades, this technique has been applied to clinical circumstances such as acute illness and parenteral nutrition. Beyond assessing the nutritional needs, it has also shed light on various aspects of nutrient assimilation, thermogenesis, the energetics of physical exercise, and the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes. However, because of little or no experience with IC provided during medical education, the benefits of IC are poorly appreciated. Newer technology, cost-effectiveness, and a better understanding of how to interpret measurements should lead to more frequent use of IC. This review focuses on the physicochemical background of IC, the various indications for use, techniques and instruments, potential pitfalls in measurement, and the recent advances in technology that has adapted the technique to long-term studies in humans.