Gut bacteria discovered to prevent and treat weak bones and osteoporosis

A study has found a significant connection between gut microbiota, aging, and bone health, particularly osteoporosis. The discovery opens doors for microbiome-based interventions against the disorder and its treatment.

Published in npj Metabolic Health and Disease, the study of 684 Chinese reveals that those with a Bacteroides-dominant microbiome have a steeper decline in bone mineral density (BMD) with age than those with a Prevotella-dominant microbiome. 

The researchers suggest that Firmicutes bacteria, and those from the Lachnospiraceae family, can help maintain bone mass by altering metabolism and inflammation.

Gut metabolites for bone health

Osteoporosis is a rising condition impacting the aging population, which increases the risk of fractures and lowers the quality of life. Worsening bone health is driven by aging, menopause, and poor nutrition.

The study found that age was linked to a higher risk of reduced BMD in those with a Bacteroides-dominant microbiome than in those with a Prevotella-dominant microbiome.

They also found microbial pathways related to amino acid L-arginine biosynthesis and butyrate production with higher BMD.

L-arginine is essential for nitric oxide production — shown to promote bone health ultimately. 

Butyrate regulates metabolism by reducing chronic inflammation, which leads to bone degradation. Researchers have also shown that it influences cells responsible for bone resorption and bone formation.

The gut bacteria producing L-arginine and butyrate show that this could be an essential way to maintain bone density.

The study found that age was linked to a higher risk of reduced BMD in those with a Bacteroides-dominant microbiome than in those with a Prevotella-dominant microbiome.The researchers suggest that knowing someone’s gut microbiota enterotype could lead to personalized approaches to managing bone health. 

Gut microbiome research

In other microbiome research, gut microbes, which were previously thought to feed on dietary fiber, feed on glucose excreted by the host. As a result, these bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids essential to several body functions. They suggest the symbiotic relationship gives a nod to new therapeutics. 

In another study, mice fed a Western-style diet could not rebuild a healthy, balanced gut microbiome after antibiotic treatment. However, on a diet that mimicked a Mediterranean diet, the mice were able to restore a healthy and resilient gut microbiome after antibiotics quickly.

Nutrition Insight recently explored the latest innovations, market trends, and emerging opportunities in the world of prebiotics in conversation with experts from AB-Biotics, dsm-firmenich, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, and Gnosis by Lesaffre.