SIBO and Bone Loss
There is a relationship between SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and osteopenia. There are varying degrees of bone loss and it can be categorized at osteopenia or osteoporosis. Osteopenia is a less severe form of bone density loss and if left untreated can progress to osteoporosis and an increased risk for fractures. According to a 2003 study from the Journal of Hepatogastroenterology, patients who tested positive for SIBO had significantly lower bone density compared to the reference population. The study concluded that SIBO testing should be used in patients with unexplained osteopenia. This makes sense because SIBO can cause inflammation and malabsorption of nutrients in the small intestine, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Certain vitamins and minerals such as calcium and Vitamin D are vital to the bone building process and if they are not absorbed well, it can affect bone health. Contact Arizona Natural Medicine to find out if SIBO breath testing is appropriate for your case.