SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article
Front. Musculoskelet. Disord.
Sec. Osteoporosis
The effect of Lactobacillus on the bone health of ovariectomized mice: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis
- HL
Hao Liang 1
- LP
Lihua Peng 2
1. Bishan hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
2. Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Abstract
Background: Osteoporosis, a major global health challenge characterised by bone microstructural deterioration and increased fracture susceptibility, presents a significant concern for women worldwide, particularly postmenopausal osteoporosis, which diminishes bone quality and heightens fracture risk. Recent studies suggest that gut microbiota, such as Lactobacillus, may influence bone metabolism via the gut-bone axis. However, the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus supplementation on osteoporosis require further validation. Objective: Although multiple preclinical studies have evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus supplementation on animal models, results remain inconsistent and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To address this issue, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of Lactobacillus supplementation on ovariectomized animal models. Method: This study systematically retrieved 12 studies from four major databases to analyze the effects of Lactobacillus on bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular bone thickness (Tbth), trabecular bone spacing (Tbsp), trabecular bone number (TbN), and selected bone marrow biochemical indicators. Results: Comprehensive analysis revealed that compared with the control group, Lactobacillus significantly increased BMD, BV/TV, Tbth, and TbN in ovariectomized animals while decreasing Tbsp, with statistically significant effects. Conclusion: In summary, our findings suggest that Lactobacillus has the potential to improve bone health and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, further research is needed to clarify the effects of Lactobacillus on postmenopausal bone health in humans.
Summary
Keywords
Bone health, Lactobacillus, Postmenopausal osteoporosis, Preclinical Meta-Analysis, Probiotics
Received
01 May 2026
Accepted
30 June 2026
Copyright
© 2026 Liang and Peng. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Lihua Peng
Disclaimer
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.