Your Gut Bacteria and Osteoporosis Risk
Official title: Studying Human Gut Microbiome for Osteoporosis Risk
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11118835 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how the bacteria in your gut might affect your risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $273,486 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AG055373-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118835 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People interested in understanding the link between their gut health and bone strength, particularly those at risk for or living with osteoporosis, might find this research relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not find this basic science research directly beneficial in the short term.
What this research studies
Osteoporosis makes bones weak and more likely to break, and we know that genetics play a role. However, recent findings in animals suggest that the tiny organisms living in our gut, called the gut microbiome, also have a big impact on bone health. This project aims to explore this connection in people by looking at the gut bacteria of many individuals. We want to find specific types of gut bacteria that are linked to osteoporosis risk and understand how they might affect bone strength. This could help us discover new ways to keep bones strong as we age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat osteoporosis by targeting the gut microbiome.
How similar studies have gone: Animal studies have shown a clear link between gut bacteria and bone mass, and small human studies have hinted at an association, but this project aims to provide the first large-scale, direct evidence and mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Hui — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Shen, Hui
Related research
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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.