Prevention of Early Postmenopausal Bone Loss With Lactobacillus Reuteri

We have previously shown that daily supplementation of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 (10E10 colony-forming units (CFU)) was able to reduce bone loss over 12 months in 76-year-old women compared to placebo.

It is not known if the probiotic is effective over longer time periods or if the effect is dose-dependent. The aim of this study is to investigate if two different doses of Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 (total daily dose of either 1x10E9 or 1x10E10 CFU/day) can prevent or reduce bone loss, compared to placebo, in early (1-4 years since last menses) postmenopausal women over 24 months. All women will receive 400 IU of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) per day. Changes in bone mineral density, bone geometry and microstructure will be measured using dual x-ray absorptiometry and high resolution peripheral computed tomography.

Inclusion criteria

• Postmenopausal women, 45 years or older, within 1-4 years from their last menses.
• Vitamin D levels above 25 nmol/L.
• Signed informed consent.
• Stated availability throughout the entire study period.
• Ability to understand study instructions and willingness to adhere to the protocol.

Exclusion criteria

• Bone mineral density of < -2.5 combined with a fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) score of 20% or higher for major osteoporotic fracture.
• Severe osteoporosis, defined as bone mineral density of < -3.0 in either the total hip, femur neck or lumbar spine L1-L4.
• Vertebral fracture (grade II or III) diagnosed using lateral spine imaging with DXA.
• Untreated hyperthyroidism or hyperthyroidism within the last 5 years.
• Known untreated hyperparathyroidism.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Diagnosed with disease causing secondary osteoporosis, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or diabetes mellitus.
• Recently diagnosed malignancy (within the last 5 years).
• Oral corticosteroid use.
• Previous (within the last 5 years) use of antiresorptive therapy, including systemic hormone therapy (estrogen), bisphosphonates, strontium ranelate or denosumab.
• Systemic skeletal disease (including e.g. Paget's disease and osteogenesis imperfecta).
• Any systemic disease that could affect bone loss, as judged by the investigator.
• Use of teriparatide (current or during the last 3 years).
• Participation in other clinical trials.
• Current antibiotics treatment or within the last 2 months prior to inclusion.
• Current and within the past 2 months use of probiotic supplement
• Vitamin D deficiency (25-OH vitamin D<25 nmol/l)
• Hypo- or hypercalcemia.
• Osteosynthesis materials in both lower legs (tibia).