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Prebiotics, Bone and Mineral Metabolism
Corrie M Whisner1, Luisa F Castillo2
1School of Nutrition & Health Promotion, Arizona State University, 500 North 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA. cwhisner@asu.edu.
Calcified Tissue International
|October 29, 2017
Summary
Prebiotics, non-digestible carbohydrates, enhance calcium absorption and bone health. Research shows these functional foods benefit bone mineral density and may prevent fractures across the lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Microbiology
- Bone Physiology
Background:
- Functional foods and bioactive compounds are gaining interest.
- Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates promoting health and disease prevention.
- Emerging evidence links prebiotics to improved calcium metabolism and bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review foundational and recent research on prebiotics, mineral metabolism, and bone health.
- To discuss the mechanisms behind prebiotic effects on skeletal health.
- To highlight the potential of prebiotics for bone health and fracture prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical (rodent) and human studies.
- Analysis of data on calcium absorption, bone mineral density, and skeletal strength.
- Examination of proposed mechanisms involving gut microbiota and host physiology.
Main Results:
- Prebiotics increase calcium absorption in the lower intestine.
- Rodent models show improved bone mineral density and skeletal strength with prebiotic intake.
- Human studies suggest benefits for bone health across the lifespan, from adolescence to postmenopause.
Conclusions:
- Prebiotic consumption is a cost-effective, sustainable strategy for enhancing skeletal health.
- Mechanisms include gut microbiota modulation, short-chain fatty acid production, and immune regulation.
- An intricate gut-bone signaling axis is emerging, underscoring prebiotic importance.
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