The impact of creatine levels on musculoskeletal health in the elderly: a mendelian randomization analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal health among the elderly emerges as a pivotal public health concern against the backdrop of a globally aging population. Creatine, popular within fitness circles, has emerged as a subject of scientific inquiry for its potential benefits on elderly’ musculoskeletal well-being. Despite extensive documentation of its effects on athletic performance, investigations into creatine’s long-term contributions to the musculoskeletal health of the elderly are comparatively limited. Utilizing publicly accessible genetic datasets, this study aimed to explore the potential causal link between creatine levels and a variety of musculoskeletal health markers in the elderly population, such as osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoporosis (OP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, bone mineral density(BMD), serum calcium levels, and reduced hand grip strength in individuals aged 60 and above. Methods Our methodological approach was grounded in Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, with a primary emphasis on the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) technique, to explore potential causal links under specific assumptions and limitations inherent to MR analysis. Results A significant inverse relationship was observed between creatine levels and reduced hand grip strength in individuals aged 60 and above (OR = 0.64, b=-0.44, p = 0.01), suggesting higher creatine levels might be beneficial in maintaining hand grip strength. Conversely, analysis of other bone health parameters, including bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, bone mineral density, serum calcium levels, and conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis, yielded p-values exceeding 0.05, denoting no statistically significant associations. Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence indicating a link between creatine levels and decreased hand grip strength among the elderly, notably in individuals aged 60 and older. This finding is significant for understanding the potential impact of creatine supplementation on elderly Musculoskeletal health and underscores the need for evidence-based decision-making in nutritional supplementation. To robustly validate these observations, it is essential to conduct future randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes.

Keywords

• Creatine levels
• Elderly musculoskeletal health
• Hand grip strength
• Mendelian randomization
• Nutritional supplements