Connecting Bone and Gut Health

The various tissues of the skeletal system are intricately connected to the health of multiple body systems, including the gastrointestinal track and the gut microbiome. Bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis have been associated with dysbiosis of gut microbiota^1,2 while an increased prevalence and development risk of osteoporosis or low bone mineral density has been reported in patients with chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.^3,4 From nutrient absorption and metabolite synthesis to immunomodulation and regulatory hormones, a healthy intestinal microbiome influences bone homeostasis,^5,6 and if the bone remodeling cycle is imbalanced, with resorption rates outpacing formation, an impaired gut may be involved. How can healthy diets that include fiber and a variety of prebiotic foods not only support gut balance and beneficial microbiota but also help optimize bone health?

Gut Microbiome Impact on Bone 

Research investigations continue to elucidate the mechanisms relating gut microbiota and bone cell communications. Studies indicate that the microbial landscape impacts nutrient absorption and metabolism, with some commensal bacteria believed to promote the intake of bone-related minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous.^5,7 In addition, during their fermentation process, intestinal microbes produce numerous bioactive compounds that are important for bone health, including B vitamins and vitamin K.^5,8

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are additional beneficial metabolites produced by gut bacteria that play a regulatory role in osteocyte metabolism and bone mass. Studies indicate that SCFAs inhibit bone resorption through the regulation of osteoclast differentiation.⁵ Further, an abundant SCFA, butyrate, is believed to promote osteoblast differentiation and stimulate mineralized nodule formation to support bone growth.⁹ Butyrate has also been reported to directly stimulate osteoblast activation and bone formation through the regulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs).⁹ And a recent animal study found that butyrate was required for parathyroid hormone (PTH) to stimulate bone formation and increase bone mass through an increased number of bone marrow Tregs.¹⁰

Research suggests that gut-derived hormones also play an important role in bone homeostasis and metabolism.¹¹ To further the investigation of this complex relationship, a small 2021 cross-over clinical trial (n=14) examined postprandial associations between two bone-remodeling biomarkers and the gut hormones glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY).¹² Researchers found that one out of the two bone remodeling biomarkers was positively associated with GIP and GLP-1 and inversely associated with PYY.¹² While no firm conclusions could be stated, the study supported the link between gut hormones and bone metabolism in humans.

Mediterranean Diet, Prebiotic Foods, and Probiotics

Following a nutrient-dense diet that includes a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats has demonstrated positive effects on several health parameters.^13,14 The Mediterranean diet is one well-studied example of a nutrition plan that has also been evaluated specific to its impact on bone health. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis (eight observational studies with 13,209 participants) investigated the dose-response relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and bone mineral density values in adults.¹⁵ Results indicated that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with small but statistically significant increases in bone mass density at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, hip, trochanter, and whole body.¹⁵

Consuming plant-based foods and their soluble fibers promotes fermentation by the gut microbial community, leading to the production of beneficial metabolites such as SCFAs. In addition, prebiotics are present in plant-based, fiber-rich foods, and these nutrients are selectively used by the gut microbiota. Inulin and oligofructose are examples of prebiotics that naturally exist in foods such as Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, onions, and bananas. A 2021 systematic review examined the health impact of these inulin-type fructans in healthy adult populations.¹⁶ The inulin-type fructans were found to promote the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and had a range of beneficial health effects, from improved intestinal barrier function to increased absorption of the bone-related nutrients calcium and magnesium.¹⁶

The use of probiotics to support healthy bones has shown some conflicting results depending on dosage, bacterial species, and patient populations. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the probiotic consumption effects on bone health from 44 studies, 37 of which were animal models.¹⁷ Researchers found that in clinical trials, probiotic consumption (primarily strains of the Lactobacillus species tested on women aged 50 years or older) affected bone health parameters such as serum calcium levels, urinary calcium levels, and PTH levels; however, spinal and total hip bone mineral density was not significantly affected.¹⁷ In animal testing, most studies reported beneficial effects of probiotic feeding on bone health parameters and status with strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.¹⁷

Conclusion

As the research continues to develop, modulating and balancing the gut microbiome through nutritional approaches is a promising component for bone health interventions.^7,18,19 In addition, lifestyle strategies from nutrition to exercise may help support overall musculoskeletal health.^20,21 IFM teaches clinicians the foundational background, insight, and in-depth clinical thinking to confidently assess and treat patients. Functional medicine clinicians use tools such as IFM’s Functional Medicine Matrix and Timeline to develop individualized treatment strategies that address gut, bone, and health system-wide.