Molecular hydrogen is an intriguing option for metabolic conditions which are often associated with high levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. While some trials have pointed to potential benefits, the research is mixed, and all outcomes require replication in further trials.
Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) might improve lipid profiles, more specifically by reducing LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. However, the effects appear small or marginally beneficial.[1]
A randomized controlled trial in people with metabolic syndrome reported that HRW reduced oxidative stress biomarkers, improved lipid profiles, and reduced fasting glucose and HbA1c after 24 weeks.[2] The participants consumed 750 mL (0.75 L) of HRW (7.3 millimolar (mM)) daily. Studies providing HRW at lower concentrations and for shorter durations have not found these benefits, aside from reduced oxidative stress biomarkers.[3][4]
In nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a small trial reported that 1 L (1,000 mL) of HRW (3 mM) daily for 28 days reduced liver fat accumulation compared to a placebo.[5] In another trial, hydrogen gas (66% hydrogen and 33% oxygen) inhaled for 1 hour daily for 13 weeks was reported to reduce liver enzymes, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress biomarkers compared to baseline, with no changes observed in the control group.[6]
References
- ^Todorovic N, Fernández-Landa J, Santibañez A, Kura B, Stajer V, Korovljev D, Ostojic SMThe Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Blood Lipid Profiles in Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Pharmaceuticals (Basel).(2023 Jan 18)
- ^Tyler W LeBaron, Ram B Singh, Ghizal Fatima, Kumar Kartikey, Jagdish P Sharma, Sergej M Ostojic, Anna Gvozdjakova, Branislav Kura, Mami Noda, Viliam Mojto, Mohammad Arif Niaz, Jan SlezakThe Effects of 24-Week, High-Concentration Hydrogen-Rich Water on Body Composition, Blood Lipid Profiles and Inflammation Biomarkers in Men and Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled TrialDiabetes Metab Syndr Obes.(2020 Mar 24)
- ^Nakao A, Toyoda Y, Sharma P, Evans M, Guthrie NEffectiveness of hydrogen rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome-an open label pilot study.J Clin Biochem Nutr.(2010 Mar)
- ^Kajiyama S, Hasegawa G, Asano M, Hosoda H, Fukui M, Nakamura N, Kitawaki J, Imai S, Nakano K, Ohta M, Adachi T, Obayashi H, Yoshikawa TSupplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.Nutr Res.(2008 Mar)
- ^Korovljev D, Stajer V, Ostojic J, LeBaron TW, Ostojic SMHydrogen-rich water reduces liver fat accumulation and improves liver enzyme profiles in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled pilot trial.Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol.(2019 Nov)
- ^Tao G, Zhang G, Chen W, Yang C, Xue Y, Song G, Qin SA randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of hydrogen/oxygen inhalation for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.J Cell Mol Med.(2022 Jul)