20 Nov 2017 --- Supplementation of the BioGaia probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 decreased bone loss compared to placebo in 90 older women. This is according to the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study at the University of Gothenburg.

Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 is a naturally occurring bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and has been shown to have beneficial effects on bone in animals, BioGaia notes.

In a randomized controlled trial conducted at the University of Gothenburg, 75 to 80-year-old women with low bone density received supplementation of Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 or placebo for one year. In the group supplemented by Lactobacillus reuteri the loss in bone density was halved compared to placebo.

“This trial provides the first evidence that age-dependent bone loss can be reduced with probiotic supplementation, which could emerge as a novel approach to prevent osteoporosis,” says Professor Mattias Lorentzon at the University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.

“Up to 50 percent of older women are affected by fractures. The fact that Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 was shown to reduce bone loss in this group is therefore very promising,” adds Axel Sjöblad, Managing Director, BioGaia. “We hope that further studies will confirm the results, so that this new way of maintaining good bone health in old age can be of use.”

Probiotics’ benefits emphasized
These results have not been the only ones to show the potential benefits of a BioGaia probiotic this month. Earlier this month, BioGaia’s Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis was shown to promote growth and prevent recurrent diarrhea.

“These results are very exciting. Our trial has shown that the administration of L. reuteri DSM 17938 shows real promise to mitigate the devastating effects of diarrheal disease in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Associate Professor Jeffrey Pernica at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Canada, lead investigator of the study, at the time.

“The fact that L. reuteri Protectis may mitigate terrible consequences of diarrheal disease, like stunting, cognitive deficiencies and eventual adult accomplishments, and contribute to decrease in recurrent diarrhea, increased growth and improved quality of life for children in sub-Saharan countries is very encouraging,” added Axel Sjöblad, Managing Director, BioGaia.

In other company news, BioGaia signed three exclusive agreements earlier this year for Prodentis, its oral health probiotic, to see the product launched in Canada, Vietnam and the Philippines.