Hydrogen Protects Heart Cells by Preserving Antioxidant Levels in Rats
- Authors
- Anna Gvozdjáková
- Journal
- Journal of Nutritional Health & Food Engineering
- Year
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.15406/jnhfe.2018.08.00296
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Slovakia
- Health Condition
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Breathing in hydrogen gas, drinking hydrogen-rich water, or soaking in a hydrogen bath may have protective health benefits, including safeguarding an important antioxidant in the body.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen preserved coenzyme Q9 levels in rat plasma, heart tissue, and mitochondria, suggesting a previously unknown way that hydrogen may provide antioxidant protection.
Summary
Researchers gave rats hydrogen-enriched water and measured levels of coenzyme Q (a natural antioxidant that protects cells from damage) in their blood, heart tissue, and mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of cells). They found that hydrogen water appeared to help maintain coenzyme Q levels in these tissues, suggesting hydrogen may protect cells through a mechanism beyond simply neutralizing harmful molecules.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage rat study that suggests hydrogen water may support the body's natural antioxidant defenses through coenzyme Q preservation. However, this finding has not been tested in humans, and the study's small scope means much more research is needed before any health claims can be made. The results are interesting but too preliminary to guide personal health decisions.
Abstract
Beneficial effects of molecular hydrogen (H2) in various experimental models of human diseases and in many clinical studies was documented. H2 can be administered by various ways, as a gas inhalation, drinking of H2-enriched water, or taking a H2-dissolved bath as well as in saline infusions. As antioxidant selectively scavenges hydroxyl and peroxynitrite radicals, decreases oxidative stress. However, theH2 effect on antioxidant–coenzyme Q information is lacking. This pilot study found protective effects of H2 on coenzyme Q9 in plasma, myocardial tissues and mitochondria of rats. Our results can contribute to the explanation of a new beneficial mechanism of H2 on a part of antioxidant protection in organism.