Post-menopausal Osteoporosis and Probiotics

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue with increased risk of fracture in postmenopausal women. It is due to the deficiency of estrogen production after menopause, which causes the imbalance in the bone remodeling process where resorption/formation skewed more towards resoption, which leads to bone loss. It causes high morbidity and severe health complication among the affected women. The current PMO therapy has many unwanted side effects and even increases the possibility of tumorigenesis. Therefore, an alternative therapy that is safe and effective is required. Probiotics are dietary supplements consisting of beneficial microbes and when administered in an adequate amount, confer a health benefit to the host. Recent scientific evidences suggested the link between the intestinal microbiota and bone health. This review discusses the process of bone remodeling and the role of intestinal microbiota on the bone metabolism of the host. Further, it summarizes the recent studies of probiotic on an animal model of PMO and also in post postmenopausal women.