Probi is entering into a three-year collaboration with researchers at La Trobe University in Australia studying bone health. 

The collaboration includes a clinical trial aiming to investigate the effect of Probi Osteo in an Australian female population. The role of the gut microbiome, modulated by the probiotic, will be explored in relation to bone metabolism, microarchitecture and density. 

The research group will be led by Associate Professor George Moschonis. Dr Moschonis said: “Recent scientific evidence has consistently highlighted the important role of the gut microbiome on bone health. Considering these breakthrough discoveries, we are excited to contribute our strengths into further extending the current knowledge and produce additional high-quality research evidence that will shed more light on the effectiveness of probiotics in the reduction of bone loss”. 

After the age of 30, bone loss exceeds bone formation, resulting in a gradual loss of bone density. For women, bone resorption – and consequently bone loss – accelerates, as estrogen levels decline during menopause. This acceleration increases the risk of osteoporosis and resulting fractures. 

Probi Osteo was launched in 2018, based upon the combination of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL19, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 8700:2. It was reportedly proven to maintain healthy bones in a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of 249 healthy women aged 47–69 years. The clinical study showed 78% decreased bone loss compared to placebo, and the study was published in The Lancet.

Titti Niskanen, Director R&D & Clinical Operations at Probi said: “We have excellent clinical results from our 2018 study, and now the time has come to repeat the study. We work closely with international partners and academic groups to conduct state-of-the-art clinical trials and we confirm our findings and the health effects by multiple studies. With this collaboration we aim to continue and expand our research in the bone health area – an area wher Probi has done pioneering work and has earlier completed a successful clinical trial showing significantly reduced bone loss by taking Probi Osteo”. 

“Bone health is a relatively new area within probiotics, and in alignment with Probi’s mission of being “First in Probiotics”, this collaboration proves our dedication to document our products in multiple clinical trials and our curiosity in understanding the mechanisms by which our probiotic strains can exert their beneficial effects”, added Tom Rönnlund, CEO, Probi.