The effects of probiotics on bone loss/bone mineral density in early postemenopausal women

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Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease of the bone, which although occurs in older ages, has its roots in earlier life stages. Women are in general more susceptible to osteoporosis-related bone fractures than men, especially during the perimenopausal period, when the decrease in their oestrogen levels accelerates bone loss. Nevertheless, the increase of life expectancy in developed countries puts older men in a high risk of bone fractures too, especially after the age of 65 years. The adequate intake of certain nutrients that are essential for bone metabolism, such as calcium and vitamin D, plays an important role in maintaining bone mass. As such, supplementation with calcium and/or vitamin D has been reported to exert a significant favourable effect on bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD). Nevertheless, the low-grade inflammation induced by a shift in the balance of gut bacterial composition has been reported to impair the absorption of dietary calcium and other important nutrients, while at the same time it seems to stimulate bone resorption through an accelerated activity of osteoclasts. In this regard, it is now clear that the gut microbiome modulates bone haemostasis in mice, by regulating the immune system and osteoclast formation. The implication of this observation is that the modulation of the microbiome and/or inflammation may provide a new approach in the inhibition of age- and menopause-related bone loss and the prevention of osteoporosis. Aim: The aim of the proposed study is to examine the effect of a 12-month supplementation with a probiotic supplement that combines three strains of Lactobacillus on bone metabolism as well as on volumetric and areal BMD in Australian early postmenopausal females, aged 45-65 years, with an increased risk for osteoporosis.