Osteoporosis is a sneaky and serious health issue that affects a vast number of people, especially women over the age of 50.
It’s often called the “silent disease” because many don’t know they have it until they suffer a fracture.
Worldwide, over 200 million people are living with this condition, where bones become fragile and more likely to break.
In the United States alone, the cost of managing osteoporosis is expected to skyrocket to over $25 billion annually by 2025. But what if something as small as bacteria in our gut could be a key factor in this disease?
A study has made a surprising connection. It turns out that Bacterioides vulgatus, a common gut bacterium, might play a big role in causing osteoporosis.
This bacterium, which is plentiful in our gut, seems to be doing something unexpected: it’s reducing the production of a crucial substance called valeric acid.
Valeric acid is a short-chain fatty acid, and it’s important because it helps to enhance bone density. It works by reducing the breakdown of bone tissue, a process known as bone resorption.
When there’s too much bone resorption, bones can become brittle and weak, leading to osteoporosis.
The team did a thorough investigation. They analyzed the gut bacteria of over 500 peri- and post-menopausal women in China.
Their findings were clear: the presence of B. vulgatus was linked to lower bone density.
To further support their discovery, they looked at a smaller group of non-Hispanic White women in the United States and found the same pattern.
The researchers went on to test their theory on mice. They found that mice with increased levels of B. vulgatus in their gut had poorer bone micro-structure.
On the other hand, mice that were given valeric acid supplements had stronger bones and less bone resorption.
This discovery shows new way to potentially prevent and treat osteoporosis. The research team is now considering different strategies.
One idea is to find natural ways to suppress B. vulgatus in our gut. Another more futuristic approach is to design a virus that specifically targets this bacterium.
Additionally, the team are keen to explore the potential of valeric acid supplements in humans. They want to understand the effects of different doses of valeric acid on human bone health.
If you care about bone health, please read studies that plant-based diets can harm your bone health without these nutrients, and this bone problem may strongly increase COVID-19 death risk.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies that too much of this vitamin may increase your risk of bone fractures, and results showing this type of exercise may protect your bone health, slow down bone aging.
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