Why Bone Loss Accelerates With Aging: The Gut–Bone Connectio

Why Bone Loss Accelerates With Aging: The Gut–Bone Connectio

Author: Dr. Kara Fitzgerald February 24, 2026 Duration: 51:14
Dr. Kara Fitzgerald | New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Longevity, Epigenetics
HealthHealth & FitnessFitness
Bone loss doesn’t start when fractures happen — it begins years earlier.

In this episode, we explore how bone aging accelerates during menopause and the emerging role of the gut microbiome as a driver of skeletal decline. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald speaks with research scientists from Sōlaria biō, the company behind Bōndia, about their work studying plant-derived microbes, microbial synergies, and the connections between gut health, inflammation, and bone loss in peri- and postmenopausal women.

We also review findings from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial examining a microbiome-based intervention for bone health — and discuss why bone loss may need to be addressed earlier, systemically, and beyond hormones alone.

Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/

GUEST DETAILS

Alicia Ballok, Ph.D. is Director of Discovery at Sōlaria biō, leading research on plant-derived synbiotics for inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. Trained in Microbiology and Immunology at Dartmouth, with postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, her work focuses on translating host–microbe science into therapeutic innovation.

Mark Charbonneau, Ph.D. is Vice President of R&D at Sōlaria biō. He earned his Ph.D. in Computational and Systems Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, studying infant microbiome development and undernutrition. His work spans microbiome research, bioinformatics, and live biotherapeutic innovation.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

Sōlaria biō: http://bit.ly/SolariaBio

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR NEW FRONTIERS LISTENERS

Looking for a clinically proven way to target bone loss? Bōndia by Sōlaria biō is a groundbreaking blend of plant-derived prebiotics and probiotics shown in a clinical trial to improve bone density outcomes by 85%. Try it for yourself at Sōlaria biō and use code Kara20 for 20% off your order.

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In each episode of Dr. Kara Fitzgerald | New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Longevity, Epigenetics, host Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with leading researchers and clinicians to explore the intricate science that is reshaping our approach to health. These conversations move beyond surface-level advice, digging into the mechanisms of epigenetics and the practical strategies for extending healthspan. You’ll hear detailed discussions on emerging research, with a focus on how our environment and choices influence genetic expression over a lifetime. This podcast is designed for anyone curious about the actionable science behind longevity, from healthcare practitioners seeking clinical insights to informed patients ready to engage deeply with their own wellness. The dialogue is grounded in functional medicine principles, translating complex studies into meaningful information that can be applied both in clinical settings and daily life. Dr. Fitzgerald guides these explorations with a clear and thoughtful perspective, ensuring each episode builds a comprehensive understanding of how modern science is personalizing the path to lasting health. Tune in for a nuanced and evidence-based journey to the forefront of medicine.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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Dr. Kara Fitzgerald | New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Longevity, Epigenetics
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