Using probiotic supplementation to support bone health in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, parallel,...

Area of Science:

• Bone biology and metabolism
• Microbiome and human health
• Postmenopausal health

Background:

• Estrogen-related bone loss is a concern in postmenopausal women.
• Probiotics show potential in animal models for bone loss, but human data is limited.
• Novel probiotic strains were investigated for their effects on bone health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if a probiotic supplement can prevent femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) loss in postmenopausal women.
• To assess the probiotic's impact on fracture risk.
• To evaluate changes in bone cell activity markers.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-two postmenopausal women were randomized to receive a daily probiotic or placebo for 48 weeks.
• Femoral neck BMD and fracture risk (FRAX®) were measured at baseline and 48 weeks.
• Serum markers of bone turnover (P1NP, BALP, CTx, OC) were analyzed throughout the study.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in femoral neck BMD or fracture risk between the probiotic and placebo groups.
• BMD decreased and fracture risk increased in both groups over 48 weeks.
• Bone turnover markers showed no significant differences between groups.

Conclusions:

• Probiotic supplementation did not alter bone mineral density or fracture risk in postmenopausal women.
• Bone cellular activity remained similar between the probiotic and placebo groups.
• Findings suggest this probiotic formulation does not impact bone health outcomes in this population.