Hydrogen Molecule Reduces Bone Loss from Simulated Microgravity in Rats
Treatment of hydrogen molecule abates oxidative stress and alleviates bone loss induced by modeled microgravity in rats
Research hubs: Musculoskeletal System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Y. Sun, F. Shuang, D. M. Chen, R. B. Zhou
- Journal
- Osteoporosis International
- Year
- 2013
- PMID
- 22648000
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Water (Dissolved)
- Dose
- hydrogen water for 6 weeks during hindlimb suspension
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 73 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-enriched water can reduce bone loss caused by the low-gravity conditions simulated in space, likely by protecting against cell damage from harmful oxygen molecules.
Key Finding
Hydrogen water treatment prevented bone loss and weakness in rats exposed to simulated microgravity by reducing oxidative stress and improving the balance between bone-building and bone-destroying cells.
Summary
Researchers studied whether hydrogen water could prevent bone loss in rats exposed to simulated microgravity (weightlessness). Rats that received hydrogen water while suspended to mimic microgravity maintained better bone density and strength than rats without it. The hydrogen appeared to work by reducing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species that damage bone-building cells and promote bone-destroying cells.
Practical Takeaway
This rat study suggests hydrogen water may help protect bone health in weightless environments, which could be relevant for astronauts. However, this is early-stage research in animals only—much more testing in humans would be needed before any health claims could be made. The authors themselves note their findings remain to be tested in people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Treatment with molecular hydrogen alleviates microgravity-induced bone loss through abating oxidative stress, restoring osteoblastic differentiation, and suppressing osteoclast differentiation and osteoclastogenesis. Introduction: Recently, it has been suggested that hydrogen gas exerts…