Hydrogen Water Reduces Gut Damage from NSAIDs in Mice
Ameliorating Role of Hydrogen-Rich Water Against NSAID-Induced Enteropathy via Reduction of ROS and Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids
Research hubs: Digestive System · Immune System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Yoshihiro Akita, Masaaki Higashiyama, Chie Kurihara, Suguru Ito, Shin Nishii, Akinori Mizoguchi, Kenichi Inaba, Rina Tanemoto, Nao Sugihara, Yoshinori Hanawa, Akinori Wada, Kazuki Horiuchi, Yoshikiyo Okada, Kazuyuki Narimatsu, Shunsuke Komoto, Kengo Tomita, Fumie Takei, Yasushi Satoh, Masayuki Saruta, Ryota Hokari
- Journal
- Digestive Diseases and Sciences
- Year
- 2022
- PMID
- 36478314
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Dose
- Hydrogen-rich water orally administered for 5 days
- Duration
- 5 days
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 16 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water helped reduce gut damage and inflammation caused by anti-inflammatory drugs in mice, possibly through its antioxidant properties and by increasing beneficial gut compounds.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water protected mouse intestines from NSAID damage through two mechanisms: directly reducing harmful reactive oxygen species and indirectly reducing inflammation by increasing short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria.
Summary
This mouse study tested whether hydrogen-rich water could protect against intestinal damage caused by NSAIDs (common pain relievers like ibuprofen). Researchers found that hydrogen-rich water reduced harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species in the intestines, decreased inflammation, and increased beneficial short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria—all of which helped prevent NSAID-related intestinal injury.
Practical Takeaway
While this early mouse study suggests hydrogen water may help protect against NSAID-related intestinal damage, human studies are needed before drawing conclusions about its use. The findings are promising but limited to laboratory animals, so effectiveness and safety in people remain unknown.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced enteropathy, the mechanism of which is involved in oxidative stress, can be lethal due to hemorrhage. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of hydrogen-rich water (HRW), in terms of oxidative stress, on intestinal mucosal damage…