GLOSSARY

Phase Angle describes the angular relationship between reactance and resistance at a specified frequency. It is a contextual electrical measure rather than a universal diagnosis of cell health or nutritional adequacy.

Bioelectrical impedance methods measure the body's opposition to an applied electrical current and use models to estimate water and body-composition compartments. Hydration, recent food, exercise, skin temperature and electrode placement can change the result. Extra frequencies or additional displayed compartments do not eliminate modeling assumptions. Compare measurements under standardized conditions on the same validated system. A consumer scale's apparent daily change in muscle or body-fat percentage should not be read as a direct tissue measurement.

Resistance reflects the resistive component of electrical opposition, while reactance reflects capacitive behavior. Impedance combines these components, and phase angle describes their relationship at a specified frequency. Interpretation depends on device and protocol as well as the individual. Phase angle is not a direct measure of muscle strength, hydration or a universal cellular-health score. Changes require context, and a single number cannot identify the exact nutritional problem or prove that a supplement has improved cell function.

For example, a bioimpedance scale can report a different muscle estimate after a sweaty session or a large drink. That is a reason to review measurement conditions, not evidence that muscle was rapidly lost or created. Repeat testing under the same protocol and interpret the result together with the broader training and nutrition trend.

Fat-free mass includes water, protein, minerals and other nonfat constituents. It therefore includes organs and bone as well as skeletal muscle. Lean body mass, fat-free mass and lean soft tissue can have different technical meanings, although terms are sometimes used loosely. A short-term rise in a device's lean-mass estimate can reflect hydration or glycogen rather than new contractile protein. Check the device definition and testing conditions before calling a change muscle growth.