Hydrogen Water Prevents Muscle Loss from Immobilization in Mice
Therapeutic Potential of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Muscle Atrophy Caused by Immobilization in a Mouse Model
Research hubs: Musculoskeletal System
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Seyedeh Elnaz Nazari, Alex Tarnava, Nima Khalili-Tanha, Mahdieh Darroudi, Ghazaleh Khalili-Tanha, Amir Avan, Majid Khazaei, Tyler W. LeBaron
- Journal
- Pharmaceuticals
- Year
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.3390/ph16101436
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Iran
- Health Condition
- Muscle Atrophy
- Body System
- Musculoskeletal
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water improved muscle health and strength in mice with an immobilized limb, suggesting it could help prevent muscle weakening.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water significantly improved muscle strength and muscle fiber size in immobilized mice while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress markers, with the strongest effects seen during the acute immobilization phase.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen-rich water could help prevent muscle loss in mice whose hind limbs were immobilized for a week. Mice that drank hydrogen-rich water showed better muscle strength, larger muscle fibers, and lower levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress (cellular damage) compared to mice that didn't receive the treatment, both during immobilization and recovery.
Practical Takeaway
This mouse study suggests hydrogen-rich water may help protect against muscle loss during immobilization, but human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn for people. The findings are preliminary and limited to an animal model of temporary immobilization.
Abstract (excerpt)
Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with poor quality of life and disability. Thus, finding a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy is very crucial. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on muscle atrophy…