Hydrogen Water Reduces Liver Damage in Hepatitis B Patients
Effect of hydrogen-rich water on oxidative stress, liver function, and viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis B
- Evidence type
- Randomized controlled trial · Human study
- Authors
- Chunxiang Xia, Wenwu Liu, Dongxiao Zeng, Liyao Zhu, Xiaoli Sun, Xue-Jun Sun
- Journal
- Clinical and Translational Science
- Year
- 2013
- PMID
- 24127924
- Study Type
- Human
- Participants
- 90
- Delivery
- Water (Mg-Chemico)
- Dose
- 1200–1800 mL/day hydrogen-rich water, twice daily for 6 consecutive weeks
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 68 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
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 (excerpt)
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…