Hydrogen Water Shows Mixed Results for Mountain Sickness Patients
- Authors
- Fengying Zhang, Yang Zhong, Qiuyue Li, Doudou Hao, Zhiyou Shi, Suying Zhu, Qian Zhang, Yunhong Wu
- Journal
- High Altitude Medicine and Biology
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1177/15578682251401137
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Negative
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Chronic Mountain Sickness
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich water altered oxidative stress markers in people with chronic mountain sickness but did not reduce oxidative damage and may increase oxidative stress in some individuals.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water produced mixed and unexpected effects in chronic mountain sickness patients: it increased both a marker of oxidative damage (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity, but failed to reduce actual oxidative stress-induced damage and showed potential pro-oxidative effects in people with higher BMI.
Summary
Researchers tested whether drinking hydrogen-rich water could reduce oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules) in people with chronic mountain sickness—a condition that develops at high altitudes. Over 8 weeks, 60 people either drank hydrogen-rich water or a placebo. While the hydrogen water did change some oxidative stress markers, it didn't actually reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress and may have even increased oxidative risk in people with higher body weight.
Practical Takeaway
This human trial suggests hydrogen-rich water may not be an effective antioxidant treatment for chronic mountain sickness as previously hoped, and could potentially increase oxidative stress in some people. The mixed results and lack of clinical benefit mean early evidence does not support using hydrogen water for this condition, particularly for individuals with higher body weight. More research is needed to understand these unexpected findings.
Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic mountain sickness (CMS), providing a rationale for antioxidant therapies. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) as a potential antioxidant in individuals with CMS. Methods: We conducted an 8-week, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial at the Tibetan Hospital of Nagqu, China. Adults with untreated CMS (defined by Qinghai score) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 990 ml/day of HRW or placebo using a dynamic minimization method. Participants, clinicians, and investigators were blinded to treatment allocation. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in oxidative stress biomarkers from baseline to week 8, including catalase, glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Safety was assessed by adverse event reporting. This trial has been completed and is registered at chictr.org under the identifier ChiCTR2400082685. Results: From July 3 to December 24, 2024, 60 participants were randomized; one in the placebo group did not receive treatment and was excluded from the analysis. At week 8, HRW produced greater changes in MDA and T-AOC compared with placebo: MDA, +2.11 (95% CI: 1.13-3.09; p < 0.001); T-AOC, +2.86 (95% CI: 0.09-5.64; p = 0.043). In participants with body mass index (BMI) ≥24, the increase in MDA was more pronounced (Δ+2.57; p = 0.02 for interaction). Adverse events occurred in 50% (15/30) of the hydrogen group and 37% (11/29) of the placebo group; dizziness was the most common. Conclusion: HRW demonstrated both pro-oxidative and antioxidative effects in CMS. However, it did not reduce oxidative stress-induced damage and may increase oxidative risk in individuals with higher BMI.