The measurement and estimation of total energy expenditure in Japanese patients with ALS: a doubly labelled water method study

Abstract Appropriate nutritional therapy has not been established for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our objective was to measure the total energy expenditure (TEE) and determine an equation to estimate the energy requirements for Japanese patients with ALS. Twenty-six Japanese patients with ALS participated in the study. The TEE was measured using the doubly labelled water (DLW) method for a 14-day period. Using a range of clinical parameters and multiple regression analyses, we determined an adequate equation to calculate TEE. Results showed that the median value of total energy intake (TEI) was 1581 (interquartile 1278–1782) kcal/d. TEE and TEE/body weight were 1628 kcal/d (1352–1865) and 31.3 kcal/kg (29.2–34.4), respectively. The ratio of TEE/estimated TEE by the Harris-Benedict equation was 1.14 (1.09–1.26). The difference between TEI and TEE was –63 kcal (–221 – 122), and 15 patients (57.7%) showed a negative balance. From regression analyses, we determined an equation to estimate TEE using the resting metabolic rate estimated by the Harris-Benedict equation (RMR-HB) and scores of the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R): TEE = (1.67 × RMR-HB) + (11.8 × ALSFRS-R) – 680 (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, energy expenditure of Japanese patients with ALS was higher than expected, and we proposed a preliminary equation to estimate TEE for future nutritional intervention.