Osteoporosis which once affected only the aged population is now expanding its grasp to a wider section of humans irrespective of their age. It has been called a progressive disease of the bone and involves characteristics such as the loss of density of bone minerals, reduction or loss of essential proteins in bone and an overall deterioration of bone architecture. As the probiotics are able to cause enhanced mineral absorption in humans, they might as well be useful in the improvement in bone mineral density (BMD).

Outline of Pre-Existing Knowledge:

Some of the probiotic strains like B. lactis lafti are able to effectively utilize a wide range of indigestible carbohydrates like inulin and other oligosaccharides. There are also reports that Bifidobacterium and S. thermophilus strains synthesize folic acid (Vitamin B9). The folic acid content of the erythrocytes is associated with enhanced BMD and overall content of the bone. Therefore, this folate synthesizing ability of the probiotics might indicate the potential of the beneficial bacteria in improving the health of the bones. However, there are concerns regarding the physiological relevance of the folate amount provided by the probiotics under given set of conditions. Synergic effects of prebiotic-probiotic combination intake are now postulated to provide better results in the improvement of bone. [Read more…]