Hydrogen Water Reduces Liver Damage in Hepatitis B Patients
- Authors
- Chunxiang Xia, Wenwu Liu, Dongxiao Zeng, Liyao Zhu, Xiaoli Sun, Xue-Jun Sun
- Journal
- Clinical and Translational Science
- Year
- 2013
- DOI
- 10.1111/cts.12076
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Chronic Hepatitis B
- Body System
- Hepatic
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water appears to reduce oxidative stress in patients with chronic hepatitis B, but more research is needed to confirm its effects on liver function and viral DNA levels.
Key Finding
Patients with chronic hepatitis B who drank hydrogen-rich water showed significantly greater reduction in oxidative stress (cell-damaging molecules) compared to those receiving standard treatment alone.
Summary
This study tested whether drinking hydrogen-rich water (water infused with hydrogen gas) could help patients with chronic hepatitis B, a viral liver infection. Sixty patients received either standard treatment alone or standard treatment plus hydrogen-rich water for 6 weeks. Researchers measured markers of cell damage (oxidative stress), liver function, and virus levels. The hydrogen-rich water group showed greater improvement in cell damage markers compared to the standard treatment group, though both groups improved in liver function and virus levels.
Practical Takeaway
This small, short-term study suggests hydrogen-rich water may reduce oxidative stress in hepatitis B patients, but the researchers themselves note that longer studies are needed to confirm whether it meaningfully improves liver function or reduces viral load. Anyone with hepatitis B should discuss any supplement with their doctor before use.
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo investigate effects of hydrogen‐rich water (HRW) on oxidative stress, liver function and HBV DNA in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).MethodsSixty patients with CHB were randomly assigned into routine treatment group or hydrogen treatment group in which patients received routine treatment alone or additional oral HRW (1200–1800 mL/day, twice daily), respectively, for 6 consecutive weeks. Serum oxidative stress, liver function, and HBV DNA level were detected before and after treatment. Thirty healthy subjects served as controls.ResultsWhen compared with controls, oxidative stress was obvious in CHB patients, and the liver function also significantly impaired. After treatment, the oxidative stress remained unchanged in routine treatment group, but markedly improved in hydrogen treatment group. The liver function was improved significantly and the HBV DNA reduced markedly after corresponding treatments. Although a significant difference was noted in the oxidative stress between two groups after treatment, the liver function and HBV DNA level were comparable after treatment and both had improved tendencies.ConclusionHRW significantly attenuates oxidative stress in CHB patients, but further study with long‐term treatment is required to confirm the effect of HRW on liver function and HBV DNA level. Clin Trans Sci 2013; Volume #: 1–4