Correlation between iron accumulation and sarcopenia in middle-aged and elderly populations

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Sarcopenia, characterized by age-related muscle mass and strength loss, poses a significant health challenge in the elderly.
• Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in cellular functions, but its specific association with sarcopenia remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between iron accumulation markers and the risk of developing sarcopenia in an elderly population.
• To explore potential non-linear associations between serum ferritin levels and sarcopenia risk.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 110 elderly participants (44 males, 66 females) was conducted.
• Data collected included demographics, body composition, inflammatory markers, and iron status indicators (serum iron, ferritin, TIBC, TSAT).
• Statistical analyses employed t-tests, chi-square tests, binary logistic regression, and Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) for nonlinear analysis.

Main Results:

• Serum ferritin levels were identified as a significant risk factor for sarcopenia (OR=1.005, P=0.042).
• A statistically significant U-shaped relationship was observed between serum ferritin and sarcopenia risk.
• The risk of sarcopenia decreased below ~226.4 µg/L ferritin and increased above ~241.2 µg/L.

Conclusions:

• Serum ferritin may serve as an independent risk factor for sarcopenia in healthy elderly individuals.
• The non-linear, U-shaped association highlights a complex interplay between iron levels and muscle health.
• Further research is warranted to clarify iron metabolism's role in muscle aging and inform targeted interventions for sarcopenia prevention.