Configuration of bioelectrical impedance measurements affects results for phase angle

•Phase angle by bioelectrical impedance analyses depends on measurement configuration.•Phase angle is higher in supine than in standing measurements.•Electrode placement and body side (right vs. left) also affect phase angle.•The BIA devices seca mBCA 515 and mBCA 525 were used for comparison. Phase angle (PhA) obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis is a well-established predictor of malnutrition that reflects the amount and quality of soft tissue. However, PhA results may depend on configurations of the measurement that differ between devices. The aim was to analyze differences between devices for supine and standing measurements. In a cross-sectional study, differences in PhA were analyzed comparing supine vs. standing positions, metal vs. adhesive electrodes and the right vs. left side of the body in 302 multi-ethnic adults (18–65y) and 1298 Mexican children and adolescents (4–20y). PhA was higher in supine than in standing position (from 0.71°±0.22° in children to 0.97°±0.25° in adults; all p