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IL15RA and Muscle Strength: What Your Genetics Can Tell You

Muscle strength is essential for everyday activities, athletic performance, and lowering the risk of injury. It depends on muscle size, muscle function, and how your body manages energy and nutrients. The IL15RA gene makes a receptor for interleukin 15, a signaling molecule involved in muscle growth, maintenance, and fat metabolism. Variations in IL15RA can influence muscle volume and bone mass, and may subtly affect how strong you are or how quickly you lose muscle with age.

This article explains what the rs2228059 variant in IL15RA may mean for your muscle and bone health, and offers practical, evidence-based steps you can take to support muscle strength regardless of genotype. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medication, supplements, or major lifestyle plans.

How IL15RA Affects Muscle and Bone

Interleukin 15 and its receptor play a role in:

  • Muscle development and repair
  • Maintenance of muscle mass during aging
  • Regulation of fat metabolism near muscle
  • Interactions with bone tissue that can influence bone mass

Variations in the IL15RA gene may change how the receptor functions or is expressed, leading to small differences in muscle volume, strength, and bone density. Genetics is only one factor. Diet, exercise, sleep, hormone levels, and overall health commonly have a larger impact on muscle outcomes.

Practical Strategies to Support Muscle Strength

Regardless of your IL15RA genotype, the following steps help optimize muscle health:

  • Resistance training: Aim for 2 to 4 sessions per week focusing on major muscle groups. Include progressive overload to stimulate hypertrophy and strength gains.
  • Protein intake: Consume adequate protein distributed across meals. A common target is 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day for active adults, and up to 1.6 to 2.0 g/kg for strength training or older adults.
  • Vitamin D: Maintain sufficient vitamin D levels for muscle function and bone health. If deficient, supplementation may be needed under medical guidance.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA may support muscle protein synthesis and reduce inflammation, particularly in older adults.
  • Body composition management: Maintain a healthy body weight and lean mass. Excess body fat can impair muscle function, while undernutrition can limit gains.
  • Recovery and sleep: Prioritize 7 to 9 hours of sleep and include rest days to support muscle repair.
  • Regular activity: Add aerobic work and mobility training to support cardiovascular health and movement quality.

Targeted Tests and When to Talk to Your Provider

  • Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D to check vitamin D status
  • Basic metabolic panel and thyroid function if unexplained muscle weakness is present
  • Inflammatory markers or hormone panels when clinically indicated
  • Body composition assessment (DEXA or bioelectrical impedance) for muscle mass and bone density evaluation

Review any abnormal test results and personalized treatment with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.

Genetic Interpretations for rs2228059

2 effect alleles (GG)

If your genotype is GG, you carry two copies of the effect allele at rs2228059 in IL15RA. This variation has been associated with potential differences in muscle strength and bone mass compared to other genotypes. The effect may relate to altered IL15RA receptor function or expression, which can influence how interleukin 15 supports muscle volume and bone density.

What you can do:

  • Prioritize structured resistance training with progressive overload to counteract potential reductions in muscle strength or volume.
  • Ensure daily protein intake is sufficient and spread across meals to maximize muscle protein synthesis.
  • Check vitamin D status and correct deficiency under medical supervision.
  • Consider omega 3 supplementation if dietary intake is low, especially if you experience chronic inflammation or joint pain that limits activity.
  • Monitor bone health through bone density testing if you have other risk factors for low bone mass.

These lifestyle measures can often offset modest genetic predispositions and help maintain or improve muscle and bone health.

1 effect allele (GT)

If your genotype is GT, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This typically implies a moderate difference in how IL15RA may influence muscle development and strength, compared with individuals who do not carry the effect allele. Any impact is usually small and interacts with lifestyle and environmental factors.

What you can do:

  • Follow a consistent strength training program emphasizing progressive resistance and good technique.
  • Aim for moderate to high protein intake per meal to support muscle maintenance and growth.
  • Maintain adequate vitamin D and omega 3 intake through diet or supplements if needed.
  • Keep active daily and include balance and mobility work to reduce injury risk and support functional strength.

With focused training and nutrition, most people with one effect allele will achieve strong, functional muscle performance.

0 effect alleles (TT)

If your genotype is TT, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with standard IL15RA receptor function, supporting typical patterns of muscle strength and bone mass development at this specific genetic location.

What you can do:

  • Maintain a balanced, protein-rich diet and regular resistance training to preserve and enhance muscle strength.
  • Continue routine activities that support bone health such as weight bearing exercise and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
  • Monitor lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, and alcohol use that can influence muscle and bone health over time.

Even with the non-effect genotype, healthy lifestyle choices remain the most powerful way to optimize muscle and bone outcomes.

Summary

IL15RA variation at rs2228059 may modestly influence muscle volume, strength, and bone mass. The size of the effect varies and is often less important than lifestyle. Consistent resistance training, adequate protein intake, sufficient vitamin D, and staying active are practical, effective strategies to support muscle strength for everyone, irrespective of genotype.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical evaluation. Discuss your genetic results and any changes to diet, exercise, or supplements with your healthcare provider.