Mendelian randomization and studies

Abstract

Mendelian randomization is an analytical method that uses genetic variants to overcome the confounding factors of observational studies. For Mendelian randomization analysis to be valid, several assumptions must be true: that genetic variants are associated with exposure; that there is no confounding relationship between the variant and the outcome; and that there are no effects of the variant independent of the outcome. Assuming these assumption are met, Mendelian randomization is a valuable tool in determining causality.