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Connecting Bone and Gut Health

Hello there, curious minds! Today, we're unravelling a fascinating relationship that goes beyond what meets the eye – the intricate link between our gut and bone health. ??

Our journey takes us through the world of bone-related disorders like osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Did you know that these conditions are somehow connected to our gut health? ? Let's dive into the nitty-gritty details:

Gut Microbiome's Role in Bone Health
The magic starts in the gut! Recent research has unveiled how our gut microbiome impacts the health of our bones. These microscopic helpers affect nutrient absorption, metabolism, and even create special compounds that our bones adore.

Ever heard of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)? These are like the superheroes of gut bacteria metabolites. They have a say in osteocyte metabolism and bone mass regulation. SCFAs even manage to halt bone resorption – that's the process that weakens bones. Not just that, but one SCFA in particular, butyrate, gets the bone growth party going by boosting osteoblast differentiation and formation.

Even gut-derived hormones play a part! They're involved in keeping our bones balanced and healthy. In a small clinical trial, researchers explored the relationship between these hormones and bone health, hinting at their influence on bone metabolism.

Diet: A Key Player
Now, here's where the diet takes the spotlight. The Mediterranean diet is like a superstar for bone health. Studies show that following this delicious plan can boost bone mineral density in various parts of our body.

Plant-powered foods are the heroes here. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats work their magic. Soluble fibres from these foods turn into SCFAs through fermentation by our gut buddies. It's like a party for our bones!

The Prebiotic Puzzle
Prebiotics, found in foods like Jerusalem artichokes and bananas, have a vital role. They're the favourite snacks of our gut bacteria, promoting the growth of the good guys. These prebiotics help build a strong gut community, while also aiding the absorption of bone-loving nutrients like calcium and magnesium.

The Probiotic Question
Probiotics are like the enigmatic heroes. While research shows they can impact bone health, the results vary depending on factors like dosage and the types of bacteria used. Some studies hint at potential benefits in women aged 50 and older, while animals show more consistent positive effects.

Intriguing, isn't it? Our gut's dance with our bones is a mesmerising symphony of science and health. So, let's celebrate this incredible connection by nourishing our gut and bones with goodness!

 

References
Bhardwaj A, Sapra L, Tiwari A, Mishra PK, Sharma S, Srivastava RK. “Osteomicrobiology”: the nexus between bone and bugs. Front Microbiol. 2022;12:812466. doi:3389/fmicb.2021.812466
Akinsuyi OS, Roesch LFW. Meta-analysis reveals compositional and functional microbial changes associated with osteoporosis. Microbiol Spectr. 2023;11(3):e0032223. doi:1128/spectrum.00322-23
Szafors P, Che H, Barnetche T, et al. Risk of fracture and low bone mineral density in adults with inflammatory bowel diseases. A systematic literature review with meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. 2018;29(11):2389-2397. doi:1007/s00198-018-4586-6
Kärnsund S, Lo B, Bendtsen F, Holm J, Burisch J. Systematic review of the prevalence and development of osteoporosis or low bone mineral density and its risk factors in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. World J Gastroenterol. 2020;26(35):5362-5374. doi:3748/wjg.v26.i35.5362
Ding K, Hua F, Ding W. Gut microbiome and osteoporosis. Aging Dis. 2020;11(2):438-447. doi:14336/AD.2019.0523
Wallimann A, Magrath W, Thompson K, et al. Gut microbial-derived short-chain fatty acids and bone: a potential role in fracture healing. Eur Cell Mater. 2021;41:454-470. doi:22203/eCM.v041a29
de Sire A, de Sire R, Curci C, Castiglione F, Wahli W. Role of dietary supplements and probiotics in modulating microbiota and bone health: the gut-bone axis. Cells. 2022;11(4):743. doi:3390/cells11040743
Uebanso T, Shimohata T, Mawatari K, Takahashi A. Functional roles of B-vitamins in the gut and gut microbiome. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2020;64(18):e2000426. doi:1002/mnfr.202000426
Chen Y, Wang X, Zhang C, Liu Z, Li C, Ren Z. Gut microbiota and bone diseases: a growing partnership. Front Microbiol. 2022;13:877776. doi:3389/fmicb.2022.877776
 Li JY, Yu M, Pal S, et al. Parathyroid hormone-dependent bone formation requires butyrate production by intestinal microbiota. J Clin Invest. 2020;130(4):1767-1781. doi:1172/JCI133473
 Hansen MS, Frost M. Alliances of the gut and bone axis. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2022;123:74-81. doi:1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.024
 Jensen NW, Clemmensen KKB, Jensen MM, et al. Associations between postprandial gut hormones and markers of bone remodeling. Nutrients. 2021;13(9):3197. doi:3390/nu13093197
 Morze J, Danielewicz A, Przybylowicz K, Zeng H, Hoffmann G, Schwingshackl L. An updated systematic review and meta-analysis on adherence to Mediterranean diet and risk of cancer. Eur J Nutr. 2021;60(3):1561-1586. doi:1007/s00394-020-02346-6
 Papadaki A, Nolen-Doerr E, Mantzoros CS. The effect of the Mediterranean diet on metabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials in adults. Nutrients. 2020;12(11):3342. doi:3390/nu12113342
 Noori M, Jayedi A, Khan TA, Moradi S, Shab-Bidar S. Mediterranean dietary pattern and bone mineral density: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2022;76(12):1657-1664. doi:1038/s41430-022-01093-7

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