Study Investigates Probiotic Effects on Bone Loss in Older Women
Overview of Osteoporosis Concerns
A recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine explored whether a specific bacterium can slow the rate of bone loss in older women. Osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to weaken and become susceptible to fractures, is particularly concerning for older adults. It is estimated that about half of women and one-quarter of men over 50 will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis. In the U.S., more than two million fractures related to osteoporosis occur annually. While effective medications exist, they may lead to serious side effects, prompting researchers to seek alternative treatments.
The Role of Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast, that can benefit health when consumed. They alter the gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of microbes that typically coexist without causing harm. These beneficial microbes play essential roles in producing vitamins, metabolizing carbohydrates, and combating harmful bacteria. Changes in gut microbiota can influence various health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Research Focus on Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) is a bacterium commonly found in the human gut. Previous studies in mice indicated that L. reuteri may prevent bone loss, but no clinical trials had been conducted to assess its effects in humans. A team of researchers from Sweden conducted a study to investigate whether L. reuteri could mitigate bone loss in older women, with findings recently published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Clinical Trial Design
Ninety older Swedish women, averaging 76 years old, participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to two groups: one received live L. reuteri in a freeze-dried powder form, while the other group received a placebo that looked identical. Participants consumed the powder mixed with food or drink twice daily. The study was double-blinded, ensuring that neither the participants nor the research staff knew group assignments until the trial’s conclusion. The study spanned one year, with bone scans conducted at both the beginning and end.
Results: Impact of L. reuteri on Bone Density
The researchers measured bone mineral density in the tibia (shinbone), spine, and hip. The control group experienced a nearly 2% decrease in tibia bone density over the year, while the L. reuteri group showed only a 1% decrease. This suggests that L. reuteri may have halved the rate of bone loss. Changes in bone density in the spine and hip were minimal, leaving unclear whether L. reuteri influenced these areas, possibly due to the limited number of participants.
Side Effects and Tolerability
Gastrointestinal issues were reported by half of the participants in both groups, primarily involving changes in bowel habits. However, the incidence was similar between the L. reuteri and placebo groups, indicating that the maltodextrin used in both powders likely caused these effects.
Understanding Mechanisms of Action
The researchers hypothesized that L. reuteri might influence inflammation or bone metabolism, which could explain its potential impact on bone health. Blood samples were analyzed for changes related to these processes, but no significant effects were observed. Additionally, there were no changes in body weight or fat, leaving the exact mechanisms through which L. reuteri may provide benefits unclear.
Conclusion: Probiotics as a Potential Solution
While this study had limitations, including a small participant size and insufficient duration to measure spine or hip bone loss reliably, it highlights the potential of probiotics as a new method for preventing bone loss and osteoporosis.
Reference
Bryan Hughes, PhD. Nilsson, A. G., Sundh, D., Bäckhed, F. & Lorentzon, M. Lactobacillus reuteri reduces bone loss in older women with low bone mineral density: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial. Journal of Internal Medicine (2018). https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.12805