Using dietary fiber to enhance calcium absorption and bone health in older men
Official title: Modulation of the gut microbiome by dietary fiber to improve calcium absorption and bone health in older men
Funded at Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco · NIH-10925538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating more dietary fiber might help older men, especially Veterans, absorb calcium better and improve their bone health by changing the bacteria in their gut.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1IK2CX002765-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925538 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older men, particularly Veterans, who may be experiencing age-related bone loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older men or those without concerns related to bone health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how dietary fiber can improve calcium absorption and bone health in older men, particularly focusing on male Veterans. The study aims to understand the role of the gut microbiome in this process, as dietary fiber may increase the production of short chain fatty acids that help regulate calcium metabolism. By conducting a crossover intervention study, researchers will evaluate the effects of soluble corn fiber on both calcium absorption and the composition of the gut microbiome. This approach seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind dietary fiber's potential benefits for bone health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that improve bone health and reduce fracture risk in older men.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding dietary fiber's impact on calcium absorption in other populations, suggesting potential success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Karin C — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Wu, Karin C
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.