The effects of dairy products containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus on bone turnover biomarkers and bone mineral density: a pilot trial study
Abstract
Background/objectives: Low bone mineral density is a major public health concern that negatively affects quality of life. Dairy products fermented with Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus have been suggested to promote gut health, enhance calcium absorption, and suppress inflammatory cytokines related to bone turnover. However, the benefits of these fermented dairy products on bone health remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of consuming dairy products with and without Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus on bone turnover biomarkers and bone mineral density.
Methods: A randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted in a total of 40 female participants, who were allocated to either a control group (n = 20) receiving full-fat milk or an intervention group (n = 20) receiving yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Both groups consumed products providing an equivalent calcium intake of 400 mg/day for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected, and body composition and bone mineral density were assessed.
Results: At the endpoint, serum calcium levels in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p p p < 0.05); however, no significant between-group differences in bone mineral density were observed at the endpoint.
Conclusion: Although within-group improvements in bone mineral density were observed, no significant differences between groups were…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 40 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Effectiveness of Bisphosphonates and Denosumab on Risk of Vertebral Fractures in Prostate Cancer Patients Under Androgen Deprivation Therapies: A Real-World Prospective Study
- Osteoporosis-related fractures after spinal cord injury: a retrospective study from Brazil
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and mortality in older men
- Lack of Association between Vitamin D Insufficiency and Cardiovascular or Fracture Risk: A UK Biobank Study
- Muscle strength and body composition are clinical indicators of osteoporosis
- Incidence of bone protection and associated fragility injuries in patients with proximal femur fractures
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.