Hydrogen Water Shows Mixed Results for Mountain Sickness Patients

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 (excerpt)

Zhang, Fengying, Yang Zhong, Qiuyue Li, Doudou Hao, Zhiyou Shi, Suying Zhu, Qian Zhang, and Yunhong Wu. Does hydrogen-rich water reduce oxidative stress in patients with chronic mountain sickness? a randomized, blinded, controlled trial. High Alt Med Biol. 27:133–142, 2026. Background: Oxidative…

Read the full abstract via DOI