Scientific article
Review
OA Policy
English

The gut-bone axis : microbial metabolism and nutritional interventions for bone health

Published inGut microbes, vol. 18, no. 1, 2675093
Publication date2026-12-31
First online date2026-05-22
Abstract

Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition characterized by a rapid decline in bone mineral density and distorted microarchitecture, which leads to increased bone fragility. The gut microbiota and its metabolites play a crucial role in the development and progression of osteoporosis by influencing gut permeability, nutrient digestion and absorption, pH balance, and immune regulation. Nutritional interventions aimed at modulating gut microbiota, through postbiotics (butyrate), probiotics (Bifidobacterium animalis or Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LGG ), prebiotics (fructo-oligosaccharides), synbiotics, and specific dietary patterns (e.g. Mediterranean and vegetarian diets) have emerged as promising strategies to mitigate bone loss associated with aging. This review investigates the communication between the gut and bone, summarizing the underlying mechanisms and providing an updated review on microbial metabolites. Additionally, it examines recent research on probiotics and their metabolic contributions, highlighting potential gaps in the current understanding of this field.

Keywords
  • Bone
  • Fermented
  • Metabolites
  • Nutrition
  • Osteoporosis
  • Prebiotics
  • Probiotics
  • Synbiotics
  • Humans
  • Probiotics / administration & dosage
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Prebiotics / administration & dosage
  • Osteoporosis / metabolism
  • Osteoporosis / microbiology
  • Osteoporosis / diet therapy
  • Osteoporosis / prevention & control
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology
  • Animals
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / metabolism
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Bacteria / classification
  • Synbiotics / administration & dosage
Citation (ISO format)
RODRIGUEZ BRYANT, Alba et al. The gut-bone axis : microbial metabolism and nutritional interventions for bone health. In: Gut microbes, 2026, vol. 18, n° 1, p. 2675093. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2026.2675093
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Article (Published version)
Identifiers
Journal ISSN1949-0976
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