Exploring the link between cheese consumption and heart failure risk: A Mendelian randomization approach with...

The study investigated the association between cheese consumption and heart failure (HF) risk using Mendelian randomization analysis. Heart failure, influenced by various factors including diet, remains a major global health concern. Cheese, a nutrient-rich dairy product, has shown potential in reducing HF risk, though the mechanisms are not fully understood. This study clarified the association by examining 45 biomarkers that could mediate this effect. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in HF risk with cheese consumption (odds ratio = 0.771). Of the 45 biomarkers analyzed, 24 showed a significant relationship with cheese intake. Six biomarkers-neutrophil count (mediating effect ratio: 3.37%), apolipoprotein B (2.73%), glucose (4.16%), triglycerides (5.82%), diastolic blood pressure (14.78%), and serum uric acid (8.45%)-were identified as mediators in the cheese consumption-HF relationship. This study underscores the role of biomarkers in understanding heart failure mechanisms and highlights the potential of dietary interventions, such as cheese consumption, to reduce HF risk. Although these findings are promising, their generalizability may be limited, and further research across diverse populations is needed.