Effects of hydrogen-rich water on attenuating fatigue induced by daily activities or mental tasks

Abstract:

Objectives In 2007, the first report that hydrogen removes active oxygen was published, and many clinical and non-clinical studies have since been conducted using hydrogen gas or water. Several diseases and symptoms are related to active oxygen, and fatigue is also induced by increases in oxidative stress. The current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted to investigate the effects of hydrogen-rich water（HRW）on attenuating fatigue induced by daily activities or mental tasks. Methods Twenty-four healthy volunteers were randomized to either oral administration of hydrogen-rich water containing 0.36 mg of hydrogen or placebo for 4 weeks. Subjective sensation and work efficacy were examined using the visual analogue scale（VAS）and the advanced trail making test（ATMT）, respectively, to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of hydrogen-rich water. In addition, we measured serum malondialdehyde-modified low density lipoprotein （MDA-LDL）and derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites（d-ROMs）as possible mechanisms of action. Results On the VAS, the hydrogen-rich water group had a significantly lower sleepiness and tension score after 4-week administration, and a significantly higher motivation and relaxation score after mental tasks compared with the placebo group. On the ATMT, hydrogen-rich water significantly reduced the mean reaction time during mental tasks. The serum MDA-LDL level after 4-week administration was significantly lower compared with before administration in the hydrogen-rich water group. The serum d-ROM level was significantly correlated with the VAS fatigue sensation score in the hydrogen-rich water group. Conclusions These results suggest that hydrogen-rich water improves several subjective sensations accompanying fatigue induced by daily activities and mental tasks by enhancing work efficacy and attenuating fatigue during mental tasks. We consider these effects to be caused by the antioxidant action of hydrogen.