 Lactobacillus reuteri L. reuteri has been widely studied in clinical trials and has probiotic, health-promoting effects in both adults and children, and is safe for human consumption. Animal models indicate that treatment with L. reuteri has positive effects on bone metabolism and bone density. In other animal models of diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, positive effects on blood glucose and weight have been reported. The present double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study is designed to investigate if dietary supplementation with L. reuteri twice daily for 12 months has any effect on bone density, body composition, inflammation, or metabolic and endocrine markers in elderly women with osteopenia. 