We investigated how inulin, a type of dietary fiber, impacts bone health in the context of osteoporosis, particularly in a model of postmenopausal women represented by ovarierectomized (OVX) rats. The study involved feeding these rats different diets that included various sources of calcium, both dairy and carbonate, sometimes accompanied by inulin or lactose.
Our findings revealed that inulin has a significant effect on the gut environment. Notably, it enhanced the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and led to a lower intestinal pH. This change is coupled with an increase in certain beneficial gut bacteria, such as Allobaculum and Bifidobacterium, which play a role in gut health.
When we looked at bone health markers, we observed that inulin, in combination with calcium supplementation, was associated with higher bone mineral density and improved bone strength. Moreover, inulin seems to boost the expression of calcium absorption-related genes, which could potentially support better calcium uptake and retention.
Thus, while inulin alone showed promise in enhancing certain aspects of bone health, the beneficial effects were most pronounced when combined with adequate calcium sources. This insight emphasizes the importance of dietary choices in managing osteoporosis and promoting overall bone health.