Grip strength is a decent measure of risk for mortality and age-related disease at the population level. Sarcopenia, or muscle loss, occurs in everyone as they age, and is sensitive to aging mechanisms like chronic inflammation. Low grip strength may indicate a higher burden of cell and tissue damage throughout the body. There is growing interest in age-related changes in the gut microbiome, which may contribute to degenerative aging and long-term health. Research shows correlations between aging of the gut microbiome and loss of grip strength in later life.
A study on serum metabolome and gut microbiome alterations in older adults found that low handgrip strength is associated with changes in microbial populations and metabolite production in the gut. The study identified potential biomarkers and metabolic mechanisms associated with declining handgrip strength, providing a basis for the further identification of biomarkers for muscle strength decline in older adults.
