Prebiotic and Probiotic Regulation of Bone Health: Role of the Intestine and its Microbiome Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This review examines the role of probiotics and prebiotics in regulating bone health through the gut microbiome. It explores how gut microbiota influences bone density and health, including mechanisms such as nutrient absorption (calcium), immune regulation, and the production of key molecules like serotonin. The review also discusses the effects of prebiotic and probiotic supplementation on bone physiology and highlights studies in animals and humans demonstrating the relationship between the gut microbiota and bone health.
Who was reviewed?
The review evaluated studies on probiotics and prebiotics, focusing on their effects on bone health and microbiome modulation. It covered research on prebiotic and probiotic treatments using various models, including rodents, poultry, and human clinical trials. The studies reviewed assessed the impact of different prebiotics like inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on bone density, strength, and mineralization.
What were the most important findings?
The review revealed that probiotics and prebiotics can significantly affect bone health by modulating the gut microbiota. Prebiotics, particularly inulin and FOS, were shown to enhance calcium absorption and improve bone mineral density in both animal models and humans. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, were found to increase bone volume and density, especially under conditions like estrogen deficiency in ovariectomized mice. In some cases, prebiotics and probiotics together (synbiotics) showed even greater effects on bone health. Moreover, the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by microbiota fermentation of prebiotics was identified as a key mechanism that enhances calcium absorption and bone mineralization. However, the review also notes that the precise pathways by which these microbes affect bone metabolism are not fully understood and require further investigation.
What are the implications of this review?
The review suggests that probiotics and prebiotics could serve as promising, non-pharmacological treatments for improving bone health, particularly for individuals at risk of osteoporosis or those with bone density loss due to conditions like menopause or chronic inflammation. By modulating the gut microbiota, these interventions could reduce reliance on traditional drug therapies, which often come with side effects. The findings also highlight the need for further clinical research to better understand the long-term impacts of prebiotics and probiotics on bone health and to develop targeted, personalized treatment plans for patients.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, offering a range of health benefits from improved digestion and immune function to enhanced metabolic health. Prebiotics are an essential part of a healthy diet that supports both gut and overall well-being.
Short-chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)
Short-chain fatty acids are microbially derived metabolites that regulate epithelial integrity, immune signaling, and microbial ecology. Their production patterns and mechanistic roles provide essential functional markers within microbiome signatures and support the interpretation of MBTIs, MMAs, and systems-level microbial shifts across clinical conditions.