Comparison of near infrared reflectance analysis of fecal fat, nitrogen and water with conventional methods, and fecal energy content.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate Near-Infrared Analysis (NIRA) method for determining fecal fat, water and nitrogen.


METHODS
The results of fecal fat, water and nitrogen by NIRA were compared with results of van de Kamer and Acid Steatocrit (AS), Dumas and vacuum drying methods for fat, nitrogen and water respectively. Results of fat determining methods were also compared with total fecal energy as obtained by bomb calorimeter.


RESULTS
NIRA results correlated significantly (p < 0.001) with standard methods for nitrogen (r = 0.79), fat (r = 0.84 and r = 0.88 for van de Kamer and AS respectively) and water (r = 0.91). The limits of agreement for nitrogen and fat results were too wide for the methods to be used interchangeably. The fecal fat results correlated significantly (p < 0.001) with fecal energy results.


CONCLUSIONS
NIRA may be valuable for monitoring malabsorption but the diagnostic value remains to be determined.
Neucker
Anita Van den
AV
Department of Pediatrics,University Hospital Maastricht, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands. avn@ms-azm-3.azm.nl
Bijleveld
Charles M A
CM
Wolthers
Bert G
BG
Swaaneburg
Joost C J M
JC
Kester
Arnold D M
AD
Kreel
Bernard van
Bv
Forget
Pierre Philippe
PP
D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005223:Fats / Q000032:analysis*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared / Q000379:methods*; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis*
D005223:Fats; D014867:Water; D009584:Nitrogen