Brown adipose tissue density, determined by total hemoglobin concentration in the supraclavicular region, is associated with body adiposity in children

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is negatively correlates with adiposity in adult humans. Near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy has been used to noninvasively measure the density of BAT (BAT-d). We examined the relationship between body adiposity and total hemoglobin concentration in the supraclavicular region ([total-Hb]sup), that is a parameter for BAT-d, in healthy children (113 boys and 127 girls, aged 1 month to 5 years). Age and [total-Hb]sup were significant predictors of the Kaup index and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness. BAT-d, determined by [total-Hb]sup, was negatively associated with body adiposity in infants, which is in line with the result found in adults.