Probiotics for Joint Pain?

Dr. Rachel Sharp, D.C.
Mar 16
3 min read

The Role of Probiotic Use on Joint Pain

The gut is often called the “second brain” because of its enormous influence on overall health—including immunity and inflammation. Emerging research shows a strong link between gut health and joint pain. For people living with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, probiotics may offer meaningful relief by calming inflammation at its root.

The Gut–Joint Connection

Gut Dysbiosis: The gut is home to trillions of bacteria. When harmful microbes outnumber beneficial ones (a condition called dysbiosis), the immune system can overreact, fueling widespread inflammation. This inflammatory response can worsen arthritis and joint degeneration.
Leaky Gut: Dysbiosis can also increase intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), allowing toxins, food particles, and bacterial fragments into the bloodstream. This sparks immune reactions that target tissues throughout the body—including the joints.
Immune Regulation: Nearly 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome helps regulate immune activity, preventing overactivation that can damage cartilage and joint tissues.

How Probiotics Can Help Reduce Joint Pain

Probiotics influence joint health in several important ways, not only by balancing the microbiome but also by supporting inflammation control and nutrient absorption.

Restoring Gut Balance: Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria that outcompete harmful microbes, reducing dysbiosis and systemic inflammation. Strains such as Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium are particularly well-studied for improving gut barrier function.
Reducing Inflammatory Cytokines: Certain probiotic strains help downregulate inflammatory messengers like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β—proteins that directly contribute to arthritis pain and swelling.
Supporting Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) Production: Beneficial gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber to produce SCFAs like butyrate. These compounds are strongly anti-inflammatory, regulate immune function, and protect joint tissues from immune system overactivity.
Enhancing Nutrient Absorption: A healthy microbiome improves uptake of anti-inflammatory nutrients and helps synthesize key vitamins and minerals needed for joint and bone health:
- Vitamin K2: Crucial for bone health and blood clotting.
- B Vitamins (B1–B12): Gut bacteria contribute to the production of nearly all B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism, neurotransmitter function, and immune balance. For example:
  - B1 (Thiamine): Supports energy production.
  - B2 (Riboflavin): Produced by Lactobacillus species.
  - B3 (Niacin): Helps convert tryptophan into usable energy.
  - B5 (Pantothenic acid): Supports metabolism.
  - B6 (Pyridoxine): Key for neurotransmitter and immune function.
  - B7 (Biotin): Important for healthy skin, hair, and nails.
  - B9 (Folate): Produced by Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, supporting red blood cell formation.
  - B12 (Cobalamin): Some gut microbes produce usable forms, though absorption depends on stomach intrinsic factor.
- Minerals: Probiotics also improve the bioavailability of key minerals:
  - Calcium: SCFAs like butyrate enhance calcium absorption, protecting bone density.
  - Magnesium: Important for muscle and nerve function.
  - Iron: Certain bacteria convert plant-based (non-heme) iron into a more absorbable form.
  - Zinc: Critical for immune function, wound healing, and joint repair.

Together, these effects make probiotics powerful allies in reducing pain, stiffness, and inflammation while supporting the nutrients your joints and bones need for long-term health.

The Research on Probiotics and Arthritis

A 2014 study found that RA patients who took Lactobacillus casei for 8 weeks had significantly lower inflammation and pain compared to placebo [1].
A 2016 trial showed that Bacillus coagulans supplementation reduced joint pain and stiffness in individuals with RA by lowering inflammatory cytokines [2].
A 2018 study reported that probiotics improved gut diversity and reduced inflammatory markers in arthritis patients [3].

The Bottom Line

Probiotics are not a cure for arthritis, but they can be an effective part of a natural joint pain strategy. By restoring gut balance, reducing inflammation, and supporting nutrient absorption, probiotics may help reduce stiffness, pain, and flare-ups.

If joint pain is affecting your quality of life, it may be time to look beyond the joints themselves. Schedule a consultation today to learn how gut health and probiotics can support your joint recovery plan.

References

Vaghef-Mehrabany E, Alipour B, Homayouni-Rad A, et al. Probiotic supplementation improves inflammatory status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int. 2014;34(1):67–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2013.09.007
Mandel DR, Eichas K, Holmes J. Bacillus coagulans: a viable adjunct therapy for relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:1. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-1
Zamani B, Golkar HR, Farshbaf S, et al. Clinical and metabolic response to probiotic supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Transl Med. 2016;14:65. https://doi.org/10.1111/1756-185x.12888