The relationship between phase angle (PhA) and all-cause mortality has often been explored within the demographic of older adults; nevertheless, new research presents compelling findings concerning younger individuals. A recent study focused on adults aged 18 to 49 years highlights the significance of PhA as not just a nutritional assessment parameter but as a potential predictor of overall mortality risk.
Phase angle, which reflects cellular health and integrity, was identified as having noteworthy associations with mortality rates, as reported by researchers analyzing data from 6,338 adults enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 1999 to 2004. The study revealed a dramatic distinction among participants divided by their phase angle measurements.
This extensive analysis utilized Kaplan-Meier curves and multiple Cox regression to assess risk factors linked to all-cause mortality. According to the findings, participants with lower phase angles exhibited mortality rates of 5.07%, compared to only 3.98% among individuals with higher PhA values, which are defined based on the median value of 6.96°.
Notably, for every 1° increase in phase angle, the risk of all-cause mortality decreased by 27%. Particularly among non-smokers, the association was more pronounced, demonstrating the importance of factoring lifestyle choices like smoking when evaluating health risks.
“A higher PhA value was significantly associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality,” stated the authors of the study. The integration of nutritional assessments through phase angle measurements not only aids health professionals but showcases how pivotal monitoring is for young adults who may be at risk for nutritional deficiencies.
The authors emphasized, “The negative association was stronger in non-smokers,” which highlights potential lifestyle intervention points as strategies for reducing mortality risks. Their findings align with previous research indicating the sensitivity of the phase angle measure to shifts in body composition, marking its relevance as both clinical and community health assets.
“Regular monitoring can help identify individuals at risk of nutritional deficiencies or declining health,” the researchers concluded, urging healthcare institutions to prioritize phase angle assessments within routine check-ups for younger populations. This study marks the first of its kind to distinctly examine the role of phase angle among healthier demographics, paving the way for more comprehensive health monitoring practices moving forward.