Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title:  Normal/high -fat milk consumption is associated with higher lean body and muscle mass in 
Japanese women aged between 40 and 60 years: a cross -sectional study  
 
Version: 0 Date: 24 Oct 2017 
 
Reviewer:  Zuzanna  Goluch -Koniuszy  
 
Reviewer’s report:  
 
The research topic undertaken by the authors is valid and current. In my opinion, the reviewed 
article is educational. However, it requires minor corrections and additions in the sections 
MATERIALS AND METHODS and RESULTS, as suggested below.  
 
Comments:  
 
TITLE: Correct  
 
ABSTRACTS: Correct.  
 
INTRODUCTION:  Correct.  
 
MATERIALS AND METHODS  
 
The authors did not explain in what conditions the anthropometric measurements, necessary for 
body composition estimates with the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) , were made. 
What was the equipment used to measure body height? Were anthropometric measurements and 
body composition estimates were done in the morning? Were the patients prepared for 
measurements (on an empty stomach, after urination and defecation)? Di d they do any stretching 
exercises? Were they administered any diuretic medicine or/and liquids including caffeine 24 
hours before the body composition estimates?  
 
The measurement of body height and weight need to be detailed, as an error of 2,5 cm may affe ct 
measurement of the amount of water in the body by 1 litre, and an error of 1 kg in body weight 
affects the measurement of the total water content by 0,2 l, which also affects the measurement 
of body fat content by 0,7 kg. This information has to be incl uded so that the reader does not 
doubt the reliability of the performed measurements and the results of the body composition 
estimates.  
 
Moreover, please add information that the body composition estimate with bioelectrical 
impedance analysis (BIA) was mad e on Tanita MC190 -EM apparatus in a tetrapolar setting.  
 
RESULTS  
 
The authors did not provide information whether, in spite of the observable differences between 
groups of women (depending on the consumption milk with various fat content), the content of 
lean body mass, body fat and body water were appropriate for the subjects' age and sex. It has 
been proven that BMI is not univocal to the appropriate body composition.  
 
DISCUSSION: Correct  
 
REFERENCES:  
 
Number 16: incomplete  
 
Number 29: please provide DOI  
 
Num ber 31: please correct the spelling of D3  
 
Almost 40% of literature is more than a decade old. Please refer to the manuscript for the 
publications of the last ten years.  
 
TABLES: Tables 1 and 2 are missing the unit for Visceral fat level  
 
FIGURE: Correct.  
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an 
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further 
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manus cript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following questions:  
 
1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an 
organisation  that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this 
manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
2. Do you hold any stocks or shares in an organisation that may in any way gain or lose 
financially from the publication of this manuscript, e ither now or in the future?  
 
3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the 
manuscript?  
 
4. Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that 
holds or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6. Do you have any non -financial competing interests in relation to this paper?  
 
If you can answer no to all of the  above, write 'I declare that I have no competing interests' 
below. If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I declare that I have no competing interests' below  
 
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