New Study Suggests Your Gut & Bone Health May Be Connected

Research on the gut microbiome is booming. Numerous studies come out every month reiterating the importance of tending to your gut for overall health.

A new two-cohort study published in Frontiers suggests that there is a link between the gut microbiome and skeletal metabolism1, which researchers determined after comparing gut microbiome composition and bone density measures. 

A total of 920 stool samples were collected to assess gut composition, while bone architecture was measured using a 3D peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scan. 

Researchers note that higher concentrations of Faecalibacterium, a genus of "good bacteria," were associated with increased bone density, suggesting it may be one potential focus area for supporting healthy bones. 

Past studies note that diets high in prebiotic fiber like the Mediterranean diet2 and certain plant-based 3diets may help boost Faecalibacterium levels. Kiwi fruits, in particular, have also been shown to support these bacteria4. 

If you're wondering how gut health could possibly impact bone density, previous animal studies provide a potential clue. They have found that the gut microbiome affects the inflammatory environment through effects on T-cells5. These T-cells influence the production of immune mediators and inflammatory cytokines that stimulate bone degradation in mice.

This study suggests a similar relationship in humans may be possible, and that the gut-immune-bone axis is strong. Given that 70-80% of immune cells live in the gut6, this isn't necessarily far-fetched, though the implications of these connections are still in the early stages of research. 

Bone density tends to begin declining at a steady rate at around 40 years of age7. This can help to explain why the older you get, the more risky it is to fall or stumble, given the increasing fragility of your bones. 

Given this finding, keeping gut health in mind and ingesting a wide range of natural foods rich in prebiotic fiber to support a flourishing microbiome is a great step—if not just for potential bone health, but for overall health. 

Beyond that, consider looking into a multivitamin with bone-supporting ingredients like potassium, vitamin D11, K212, and calcium13. Our suggestion: mindbodygreen multivitamin+—a high-potency formula that's packed with 33 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health (bone health included).*

Apart from diet, consider adding some weight training to your movement routine, as research has shown a positive correlation between lifting weights and bone health14.