The influence of multi-strain probiotic supplementation on calcium and magnesium status in women with non-morbid obesity

Background. Obesity is a significant global health issue, associated with many metabolic disorders. Mag­nesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) play critical roles in body metabolism, and deficiencies in these minerals can increase complications associated with obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of twelve weeks of multi-strain probiotic supplementation on Ca and Mg metabolism in obese women.
Material and methods. The study is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial con­ducted at the University of Medical Sciences in Poznań and the University of Life Sciences in Poznań. Ninety obese women, aged 45–70, with a BMI > 30 kg/m², participated in the study. Participants were randomly as­signed to either a high-dose (HD) or low-dose (LD) probiotic or placebo group. The probiotic groups received the Ecologic Barrier multi-strain probiotic combination.
Results. Hair Ca concentration was significantly lower in the LD group after the intervention (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in serum calcium or magnesium levels. Additionally, osteocalcin levels were significantly decreased in the HD group compared to baseline (p < 0.05), indicating a potential effect of probiotics on bone metabolism. No significant differences were observed in oestradiol (E2), para­thyroid hormone (PTH), or Procollagen Type 1 N-Terminal Propeptide (PINP) levels between the baseline and post-intervention.
Conclusion. The probiotic supplementation may influence calcium metabolism and bone turnover, as re­flected in changes in hair calcium and osteocalcin levels. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and their long-term clinical relevance.