The effect of synbiotic supplementation on anthropometric indices and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial

Background: This study evaluated the effects of synbiotic supplementation on anthropometric indices and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 52 postmenopausal women were received synbiotic or placebo for six months. Anthropometric measurements, bone mineral density (BMD), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP-5b), and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) were assessed. Results: Although there were no considerable differences in BMI, fat mass, or BMD between groups, a significant decrease was observed in the synbiotic group regarding visceral fat content (p = 0.004), TRAP-5b (p < 0.001), BSAP (p = 0.003), and CTX (p = 0.028). No substantial changes were observed in OPG, RANKL, OC, or P1NP (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Synbiotic supplementation significantly reduced visceral fat and markers of bone resorption in postmenopausal women. Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR2300076114.