Hydrogen Water Improves Cholesterol and Reduces Oxidative Stress
- Authors
- Atsunori Nakao, Yoshiya Toyoda, Prachi Sharma, Malkanthi Evans, Najla Guthrie
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition
- Year
- 2010
- DOI
- 10.3164/jcbn.09-100
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- United States
- Health Condition
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Drinking water with added hydrogen for 8 weeks improved antioxidant levels and cholesterol in people at risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Key Finding
Drinking hydrogen-rich water for 8 weeks increased antioxidant enzyme activity by 39% and reduced oxidative stress markers by 43% in people with potential metabolic syndrome.
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether drinking hydrogen-rich water (made by placing a magnesium stick in water) could help 20 people with signs of metabolic syndrome—a condition involving obesity, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol. Over 8 weeks, participants who drank 1.5–2 liters daily showed increases in an antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from damage, decreases in markers of cellular damage in urine, and modest improvements in cholesterol levels, but no change in blood sugar.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage study suggests hydrogen-rich water may support antioxidant defenses in people with metabolic syndrome, but the results come from a small, uncontrolled pilot study without a comparison group. Larger, well-designed studies are needed before drawing conclusions about real health benefits. Anyone considering this approach should discuss it with their healthcare provider, especially if they have existing health conditions.
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by cardiometabolic risk factors that include obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Oxidative stress is known to play a major role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of hydrogen rich water (1.5-2 L/day) in an open label, 8-week study on 20 subjects with potential metabolic syndrome. Hydrogen rich water was produced, by placing a metallic magnesium stick into drinking water (hydrogen concentration; 0.55-0.65 mM), by the following chemical reaction; Mg + 2H(2)O --> Mg (OH)(2) + H(2). The consumption of hydrogen rich water for 8 weeks resulted in a 39% increase (p<0.05) in antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and a 43% decrease (p<0.05) in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in urine. Further, subjects demonstrated an 8% increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and a 13% decrease in total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol from baseline to week 4. There was no change in fasting glucose levels during the 8 week study. In conclusion, drinking hydrogen rich water represents a potentially novel therapeutic and preventive strategy for metabolic syndrome. The portable magnesium stick was a safe, easy and effective method of delivering hydrogen rich water for daily consumption by participants in the study.