Prebiotic fibre builds stronger bones in girls

What the research found

Reviews from 2017 and 2018 say prebiotics increase calcium absorption in the gut. They also say fewer human studies exist than animal ones. Some data in growing children hint at benefits for bone, but the reviews describe the human evidence as limited.

Longer trials in children are less convincing. A 2023 double-blind trial gave 243 children aged 9 to 11 either soluble corn fibre, calcium, both, or a placebo for a year. The authors concluded that fibre with calcium did not improve bone measures. A 2026 trial in children aged 9 to 14 with low calcium intake also noted that long-term effects on bone are mixed.

One 2025 trial in 182 children aged 2 to 3 found a formula with a probiotic and a prebiotic raised a bone quality measure over 6 months. But it combined two ingredients, so it can't show prebiotic fibre alone does this.

What it doesn’t mean

• This doesn't mean fibre is bad for bones or for girls. It means that stronger bones haven't been shown, and the research doesn't look at girls separately.
• Calcium, vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise are the better-supported foundations for bone health. Australian guidance says most calcium should come from food, such as dairy or fortified products, rather than supplements. It also notes that many Australian females don't get enough.
• If you're worried about your daughter's calcium intake, growth or bone health, talk to your GP or child health nurse before starting supplements.