Association between sarcopenia and hemoglobin level: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Sarcopenia is characterized by age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function.
• Anemia, indicated by decreased hemoglobin levels, is common in the elderly.
• Existing research on the association between sarcopenia and anemia is inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis exploring the association between sarcopenia and low hemoglobin levels.
• To synthesize evidence from existing studies to clarify the relationship.
• To provide a quantitative assessment of the link between sarcopenia and hemoglobin levels.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases until September 2022.
• Included cross-sectional and case-control studies investigating low hemoglobin levels and sarcopenia.
• Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 16.0, with heterogeneity assessed by the I² test and publication bias by Egger's test.

Main Results:

• Sixteen studies involving 1,550 participants were meta-analyzed.
• Individuals with sarcopenia exhibited significantly lower hemoglobin levels compared to controls (MD = -0.53, 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.37).
• Subgroup analyses in Chinese populations and studies using AWGS criteria confirmed lower hemoglobin levels in sarcopenic individuals.

Conclusions:

• The meta-analysis provides evidence supporting an association between sarcopenia and low hemoglobin levels.
• The findings suggest a potential link between muscle decline and anemia markers in the elderly.
• Further large-scale prospective studies are recommended to confirm these conclusions.