Hydrogen Water Reduced Bone Loss in Rats
Hydrogen water consumption prevents osteopenia in ovariectomized rats
Research hubs: Endocrine System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Ji-Dong Guo, Li Li, Ya-Min Shi, Hua-Dong Wang, Shu-Xun Hou
- Journal
- British Journal of Pharmacology
- Year
- 2013
- PMID
- 23121335
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Water (Dissolved)
- Dose
- Hydrogen water consumption for 3 months
- H₂ concentration
- 1.3 ± 0.2 mg·L−1
- Duration
- 3 months
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 46 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
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…