Energy Expenditure Using Doubly Labelled Water

Researchers wishing to determine energy expenditure using doubly labelled water can use our full range of analytical services.

The Doubly Labelled Water (DLW) method uses the natural occurring stable isotopes of water (D₂O and H₂¹⁸O) to assess energy expenditure, body composition and water flux in humans and animals. This is entirely safe and non-restrictive, requires only periodic sampling of body fluids and is well suited for measurement of energy expenditure in free-living or hospitalised patients.

The basis of the DLW method is to follow the decline in enrichment of the stable isotopes of oxygen (oxygen-18, ¹⁸O) and hydrogen (deuterium, ²H) in body water after initial labelling of the body water pool. As oxygen-18 is lost from the body in the form of water and carbon dioxide (CO2), whereas deuterium is lost only as water, the difference in loss from the body reflects the CO2 production during the period. Because CO2 production is the result of fat, carbohydrate and protein oxidation, it is an index of energy expenditure.

For more information on the different types of samples we accept, how to store them an analyse them, as well as an example Laboratory report, click here.

Interested? Get in touch at sales@isolab-scientific.com or call +44 (0) 203 278 2351 or at. We’ll be straight back to you.

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