Hydrogen Water Prevents Bone Loss in Rats After Ovary Removal
- Authors
- Ji-Dong Guo, Li Li, Ya-Min Shi, Hua-Dong Wang, Shu-Xun Hou
- Journal
- British Journal of Pharmacology
- Year
- 2013
- DOI
- 10.1111/bph.12036
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Osteoporosis
- Body System
- Skeletal
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-enriched water helped prevent bone loss and maintain bone strength in rats without ovaries, likely by reducing harmful oxidative stress.
Key Finding
Hydrogen water prevented bone loss and preserved bone strength and structure in ovariectomized rats, possibly by reducing oxidative stress caused by estrogen withdrawal.
Summary
This study tested whether hydrogen water could help prevent bone loss in rats that had their ovaries removed (a model for postmenopausal bone loss in humans). Rats drinking hydrogen water for 3 months maintained stronger bones with better density and structure compared to untreated rats, and showed reduced markers of oxidative stress (cellular damage) and inflammation in their bones.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study that suggests hydrogen water may help protect bone health in conditions involving estrogen deficiency, but human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about its use for osteoporosis prevention. The study did not test hydrogen water in people, so its relevance to human bone health remains unknown.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background and PurposeAccumulating evidence indicates an important role of oxidative stress in the progression of osteoporosis. Recently, it was demonstrated that hydrogen gas, as a novel antioxidant, could selectively reduce hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite anion to exert potent therapeutic…