Hydrogen-Rich Water and Atherosclerosis via Gut Microbiota in Mice
Consumption of hydrogen-rich water ameliorates atherosclerosis by modulating gut microbiota and enhancing short-chain fatty acid levels
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Fanxianzi Meng, Minghai Xue, Huili Li, Geru Tao, Wei Chen, Yuanmin Li, Hui Pei, Zhichao Liu, Deling Yin, Shucun Qin, Junli Xue, Boyan Liu
- Journal
- Life Sciences
- Year
- 2026
- PMID
- 42069299
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 2 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich water reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation and improved plaque stability in ApoE-/- mice, with benefits mediated through gut microbiota changes, increased propionate production, and reduced inflammatory macrophage activation.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation and improved plaque stability in mice, with effects mediated through changes in gut bacteria composition and increased propionate levels.
Summary
Researchers gave hydrogen-rich water to mice genetically prone to atherosclerosis (a condition where fatty deposits build up in arteries). The mice that drank hydrogen-rich water developed smaller plaques (deposits) in their arteries and had more stable plaques compared to control mice. The protective effect appeared to work through changes in gut bacteria and increased levels of a compound called propionate, which reduced inflammation in immune cells.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study showing a potential mechanism by which hydrogen-rich water might support cardiovascular health, but human studies are needed before any health claims can be made. The findings are promising but limited to mice, so it's unclear whether the same effects would occur in people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Aims: Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a safe gaseous signaling molecule with anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to explore the anti-atherosclerotic effects of hydrogen-rich water (H2W) and clarify the underlying mechanism involving the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Materials…