Causal association between sarcopenia and iron deficiency anemia: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Summary

This two-sample Mendelian randomization study leveraged genome-wide association data to investigate causal relationships between sarcopenia-related traits and iron deficiency anemia. Genetically predicted faster walking pace and higher hand grip strength were causally associated with reduced IDA risk, whilst reverse analyses suggested IDA may contribute to reduced muscle function, indicating a potential bidirectional relationship. The findings support an underlying biological link between muscle function and iron metabolism, though the mechanistic pathway remains to be elucidated.

Regional applicability

The findings are based on genetic associations in large-scale datasets and are broadly applicable to UK populations, though the study does not examine UK-specific dietary or clinical practices related to anaemia management or sarcopenia prevention. Translation to clinical practice would require validation in observational UK cohorts and investigation of modifiable risk factors.

Key measures

Odds ratios for associations between genetically predicted usual walking pace, right hand grip strength, and other physical activity traits with IDA and IDA secondary to chronic blood loss; sensitivity analyses including MR-Egger regression, Cochran Q, and leave-one-out analyses.

Outcomes reported

The study examined bidirectional causal relationships between genetically predicted muscle function traits (walking pace, hand grip strength) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) risk using Mendelian randomization. Faster walking pace and higher grip strength were associated with reduced IDA risk, whilst IDA was associated with reduced muscle strength, suggesting bidirectional causality.

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