Is there a link between gut microbiome and bone density? Study sheds light

Titled ‘A Two-Cohort Study on the Association between the Gut Microbiota and Bone Density, Microarchitecture, and Strength’, the study found that bacteria called Akkermansia, which has been associated with obesity, and Clostridiales bacterium DTU089, had negative associations with bone health for older adults. It is found to be more abundant in people with lower physical activity and lower protein intake.

“We found patterns in which greater abundance of microbiota was associated with worse measures of bone density and microarchitecture. In fact, some bacteria were associated with differences in the bone cross-sectional area, suggesting the possibility that certain microbes could influence how the bone changes size with ageing,” Dr Douglas P Kiel, principal investigator, said.

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through a balanced diet, probiotics, and prebiotics may contribute to better bone density and overall skeletal health (Source: Getty Images)

He added that it is premature to know if the bacterial organisms themselves may have effects on skeletal health. “With additional studies, we might be able to gain insights regarding associations between specific bacterial species in the intestine and skeletal integrity,” Dr Kiel said.

Dr Yugal Karkhur, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram agreed that there is a link between the gut microbiome and bone density. “Research suggests that the gut microbiome influences bone health through several mechanisms,” he told indianexpress.com.

He explained that gut bacteria help metabolise nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for bone health. “They also produce short-chain fatty acids, which can modulate inflammation and positively impact bone density. Moreover, an imbalance in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis) can lead to chronic inflammation, potentially harming bones. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through a balanced diet, probiotics, and prebiotics may contribute to better bone density and overall skeletal health,” he said.

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