Association Between Hemoglobin-to-Red Cell Distribution Width Ratio and Bone Mineral Density in the Elderly in the United States: Evidence from NHANES

Abstract

Background The Hemoglobin-to-Red Cell Distribution Width Ratio (HRR), a key element of blood cell counts, emerges as a novel biomarker linked to various diseases and adverse health outcomes. However, its correlation with Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and osteoporosis in the elderly remains under-researched. Methods This study used NHANES data to examine the link between HRR and Bone Mineral Density (BMD), and osteoporosis in U.S. seniors. It involved 9,128 participants aged 50+, assessing their BMD and blood cell counts. A weighted linear model was used to assess HRR's influence on BMD, while weighted logistic regression examined its connection to osteoporosis, supported by an extensive subgroup analysis. Results The study utilized weighted linear regression to reveal a significant positive correlation between higher HRR levels and increased BMD. Additionally, weighted logistic regression indicated an inverse relationship between HRR levels and osteoporosis risk, consistently observed across subgroups and independent of confounders. Conclusion HRR may be an important marker for bone density and osteoporosis risk in the elderly, offering new insights for potential preventive and treatment strategies. However, these findings necessitate further validation and research due to study limitations.