OsteoPreP Study | Mary Mackillop Institute for Health Research

The effect of probiotic supplementation on bone, muscle, and glucose metabolism in postmenopausal women, a randomised placebo-controlled trial

The gut microbiome is a critical regulator in many of the body's necessary functions, including degradation of nutrients and synthesis of vitamins. More recently, it has become clear that the gut microbiome also regulates bone metabolism. The Bone Health and Fractures Research Program (BHFRP) is undertaking the OsteoPreP study, a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effects of a diary supplement in altering the gut microbiome to improve bone and metabolic health in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis and in Australia over 49% of women will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.

We require members of the public to help us with our osteoporosis research. Our work simply would not be possible without the help of the public willing to volunteer in the study and contribute towards advancing scientific knowledge in the field of osteoporosis research.

This project is led by BHFRP researchers and involves collaborators at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, Edith Cowan University in Perth and Monash University in Melbourne. The study will determine if the investigational product affects the intestinal levels of short chain fatty acids to improve bone metabolism in postmenopausal women, and if it can help support metabolic health.

The study is partially supported by Pendulum®.

Factors of interest in this study include:

Can a probiotic food supplement slow or stop bone thinning in women who are in the early stage of menopause?
Can a probiotic food supplement help support metabolic health, and consequently reduce or eliminate the risk factors for metabolic syndrome such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and a large waistline?
What is the link between the gut microbiome and bone health?
What is the potential effect of the study intervention on immune system modulation as a potential mediator?

The OsteoPreP study is managed from the Mary Mackillop Institute for Health Research at the Australian Catholic University.

Where can I get more information?

If you are interested in finding out if you are eligible to participate, please click on the link below to go through our online screening questions or scan the QR code. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact the OsteoPrep research team directly with your query.

Complete online screening questionnaire