Based on PubMed | Is there evidence that honey supplementation improves bone mineral density or reduces fracture risk in people with osteoporosis?

There is currently no strong human evidence that honey supplements improve bone mineral density (BMD) or reduce fractures in osteoporosis. Most authoritative guidance for osteoporosis prevention and treatment focuses on proven strategies such as adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight‑bearing exercise, fall prevention, and approved medications; honey is not included among recommended therapies. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

What clinical guidelines recommend

• Major clinical resources emphasize a balanced diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin D, regular weight‑bearing and muscle‑strengthening exercise, avoidance of smoking, moderation of alcohol, fall prevention, and prescriptions that slow bone loss or rebuild bone when indicated. ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• These sources do not list honey as a therapy to improve BMD or prevent fractures. This suggests honey is not part of evidence‑based osteoporosis management at this time. ^{[1] [2]}

What the research shows about honey and bone health

• Human evidence: Published human data directly testing honey (including specific types like Tualang or Manuka) for BMD or fracture prevention in people with osteoporosis are very limited and do not demonstrate clinically meaningful benefits or fracture reduction. A frequently cited article discussing Tualang honey in postmenopausal women is largely mechanistic and narrative rather than a definitive randomized trial showing improved BMD or fewer fractures. ^[4]
• Animal and lab evidence: Several rodent studies report that honey or bee products may influence bone microarchitecture or markers in estrogen‑deficient animals, and that combining intense jumping exercise with honey improved bone measures in rats. However, animal models cannot establish effectiveness in humans, and doses/biological responses may not translate to clinical benefit. ^{[5] [6]}

How this compares with proven options

• Diet and supplements: Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D is a cornerstone of bone health and is consistently recommended by clinical sources. These nutrients help maintain bone and are supported by human data and guidelines. ^{[1] [2]}
• Exercise and lifestyle: Weight‑bearing activity, muscle‑strengthening, not smoking, and limiting alcohol are standard, guideline‑endorsed measures to support bone and reduce falls. ^{[1] [3]}
• Medications: When fracture risk is high, medicines that slow bone loss or build bone are recommended, and they have documented effects on BMD and fracture reduction. ^[1]

Bottom line

• Based on current guidance and available studies, there is insufficient human evidence to conclude that honey supplementation improves bone mineral density or reduces fractures in people with osteoporosis, and honey is not recommended as a treatment strategy in guidelines. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Practical advice if you enjoy honey

• It’s reasonable to use honey as a sweetener if you like the taste, but it should not replace evidence‑based osteoporosis measures such as adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight‑bearing exercise, fall prevention, and, when appropriate, prescribed medications. ^{[1] [2]}
• If you have diabetes or are watching your blood sugar, remember that honey is a sugar and can raise glucose.

Quick comparison table

Approach	Human evidence for increasing BMD	Human evidence for reducing fractures	Guideline‑endorsed for osteoporosis care
Honey supplementation	Insufficient evidence; no robust RCTs showing benefit	Insufficient evidence	No [1] [2]
Adequate calcium + vitamin D	Supported and recommended	Contributes to fracture prevention as part of comprehensive care	Yes [1] [2]
Weight‑bearing/strength exercise	Supported and recommended	Helps reduce falls and maintain bone	Yes [1] [3]
FDA‑approved osteoporosis meds	Strong RCT evidence	Strong RCT evidence	Yes [1]

If you’re considering any supplement, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your clinician to ensure it fits safely with your overall bone health plan and other medications.