Osteoporosis and gut microbiota: current understandings.

2026-02-24
Frontiers in immunology 17

PubMed: 41816331
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1761421

Study Design

Type: Review
Population: Osteoporosis (OP), a prevalent disease among middle-aged and elderly individuals
Methods: In this review, we summarize the role of GM in the pathogenesis of OP based on the latest understandings, and highlight the promising potential of strategies targeting GM for the intervention and management of OP.

Osteoporosis (OP), a prevalent disease among middle-aged and elderly individuals, is characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), which predisposes individuals to fragile fractures. The core pathological process involves excessive bone resorption over bone formation. The etiology of OP is intricate, and increasing recent studies have focused on the role of gut microbiota (GM) in its pathogenesis. Harmful bacteria exacerbate OP, whereas probiotics are beneficial for bone metabolism and delay the progression of OP. GM influences the progression of OP through various mechanisms, including the production of metabolites, modulation of the intestinal barrier, and regulation of intestinal immunity and osteoimmunology. In this review, we summarize the role of GM in the pathogenesis of OP based on the latest understandings, and highlight the promising potential of strategies targeting GM for the intervention and management of OP.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475	—	Increased Bone Mineral Density	Beneficial	Moderate	View source probiotics are beneficial for bone metabolism and delay the progression of OP. GM influences the progression of OP through various mechanisms, including the production of metabolites, modulation of the intestinal barrier, and regulation of intestinal immunity and osteoimmunology.
Lactobacillus sporogenes	—	Delayed Osteoporosis Progression	Beneficial	Small	View source probiotics are beneficial for bone metabolism and delay the progression of OP.
Lactobacillus sporogenes	—	Improved Bone Metabolism	Beneficial	Small	View source probiotics are beneficial for bone metabolism and delay the progression of OP.