Blood cadmium and physical function limitations in older adults

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Gerontology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal ubiquitous in environmental exposures like tobacco smoke, air, and food.
• Previous cross-sectional studies suggest a negative impact of Cd on physical performance, but prospective evidence remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prospective association between blood cadmium levels and physical function decline in older adults.
• To assess the relationship between cadmium exposure and various measures of physical function, including overall physical function, lower-extremity performance, muscle strength, mobility, and frailty.

Main Methods:

• The study utilized data from 2548 older adults in the Seniors-ENRICA II cohort in Madrid, Spain.
• Blood cadmium levels were measured at baseline using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
• Physical function was assessed at baseline and follow-up using validated questionnaires and performance tests, with analyses adjusted for confounders including smoking status.

Main Results:

• Cross-sectional analyses showed higher odds of low physical component summary (PCS) scores, mobility limitations, and IADL disability with increased blood Cd.
• Longitudinal analyses revealed that higher cadmium levels were associated with a greater risk of low PCS scores, impaired lower-extremity performance, and frailty.
• These associations remained consistent even after excluding current smokers, indicating a robust link between cadmium and physical decline.

Conclusions:

• The findings support cadmium as a significant risk factor for physical function impairments in older adults.
• This research highlights the importance of monitoring and potentially reducing cadmium exposure to maintain physical health in aging populations.