Probiotics and Prebiotics: Any Role in Menopause-Related Diseases?
- 2023-02-07
- Current nutrition reports 12(1)
- PubMed: 36746877
- DOI: 10.1007/s13668-023-00462-3
Study Design
- Type
- Review
- Population
- postmenopausal women
- Methods
- review of menopause-related changes in microbiota and evidence on probiotic supplementation as a therapeutic strategy
Purpose of review
The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the menopause-related changes in microbiota and their role in the pathogenesis of menopause-related diseases. In addition, evidence on probiotic supplementation as a therapeutic strategy is discussed.Recent findings
The human microbiota is a complex community that lives in a mutualism relationship with the host. Menopause is associated with dysbiosis, and these changes in the composition of microbiota in different sites (gut, vaginal, and oral microbiota) might play a role in the pathogenesis of menopause-related diseases (i.e., osteoporosis, breast cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, periodontitis, and cardiometabolic diseases). The present review highlights the pivotal role of microbiota in postmenopausal women health, in particular it (a) may increase intestinal calcium absorption thus preventing osteoporosis, (b) is associated with reduced risk of breast cancer and type 1 endometrial hyperplasia, (c) reduces gingival inflammation and menopausal periodontitis, and (d) beneficially affects multiple cardiometabolic risk factors (i.e., obesity, inflammation, and blood glucose and lipid metabolism). However, whether oral probiotic supplementation might be used for the treatment of menopause-related dysbiosis requires further clarification.Research Insights
| Supplement | Dose | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus crispatus LBV 88 | — | Improved Menopause-Related Dysbiosis | Beneficial | Small | View sourceoral probiotic supplementation might be used for the treatment of menopause-related dysbiosis requires further clarification |
| Lactobacillus jensenii LBV 116 | — | Improved Menopause-Related Dysbiosis | Beneficial | Small | View sourceoral probiotic supplementation might be used for the treatment of menopause-related dysbiosis requires further clarification |