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Published on: July 5, 2017
Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with low muscle strength and functional limitations in older persons
K M A Swart1, N M van Schoor, M W Heymans
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands. k.swart@vumc.nl
Objective:
The current study aimed to examine homocysteine in relation to different aspects of physical functioning.
Design, Setting And Participants:
Cross-sectional and longitudinal data (3-years follow-up) from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were used. The study was performed in persons aged ≥ 65 years (N= 1301 after imputation).
Measurements:
Different measures of physical functioning, including muscle mass, grip strength, functional limitations, and falling were regarded as outcomes. Gender and serum creatinine level were investigated as effect modifiers.
Results:
Results were stratified by gender. In men, higher homocysteine levels were associated with lower grip strength (Quartile 4: regression coefficient (B)= -3.07 (-4.91; -1.22)), and more functional limitations at baseline (Quartile 4: B= 1.15 (0.16-2.14)). In women, higher homocysteine levels were associated with more functional limitations after 3 years (Quartile 4: B= 1.19 (0.25; 2.13)). Higher homocysteine levels were not associated with low muscle mass or falling.
Conclusions:
These data suggest an inverse association of homocysteine levels with functional limitations in older men and women, and with muscle strength in older men.
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