BONE AND JOINT HEALTH – INSIGHTS

Bone and joint health contribute to preserving self-sufficiency and preventing chronic degenerative bone diseases, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The latter is in fact the most common bone disease affecting elder people, and it is estimated that approximately 1 in 4 people, over the age of 50, will experience osteoporosis fractures (www.osteoporosis.foundation).

It has recently been suggested that the gut microbiota may play a fundamental role in bone metabolism, which is influenced by several factors, including inflammation and dietary supplements intake (such as biotics and vitamin D). This literature review will therefore provide insights on the correlation between bone health and:

1) Biotics. The first study describes a clinical trial in which prebiotics (substrate for microorganism) are exploited to improve knee function and physical performance in adults with obesity and knee osteoarthritis. In the second article, a systematic review and meta-analysis on probiotics (live microorganism) is proposed and suggests that the supplementation of some Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains might improve bone health. Finally, the third recent study is based on the supplementation of postbiotics (inanimate microorganism and/or their components) in a post-menopausal rat model and shows that they could ameliorate bone loss resulting from estrogen deficiency.

2) Vitamin D and Calcium. The first review summarizes the key elements between vitamin D supplementation and rheumatic diseases. The second article provides an update on the efficacy of vitamin D/calcium for the treatment of osteosarcopenia, a disease where osteoporosis co-exists with sarcopenia (a disease characterised by loss of muscle mass, strength, and function).