Hydrogen Water Improves Cholesterol and Reduces Oxidative Stress
Effectiveness of hydrogen rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome-an open label pilot study
Research hubs: Metabolic Syndrome · Oxidative Stress · Cardiovascular System · Endocrine System
- Evidence type
- Uncontrolled trial (single-arm or pilot) · Human study
- Authors
- Atsunori Nakao, Yoshiya Toyoda, Prachi Sharma, Malkanthi Evans, Najla Guthrie
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition
- Year
- 2010
- PMID
- 20216947
- Study Type
- Human
- Participants
- 20
- Delivery
- Water (Mg-Chemico)
- Dose
- 1.5-2 L/day hydrogen rich water for 8 weeks
- H₂ concentration
- 0.55-0.65 mM
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Funding
- Friendear Inc.
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 302 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- United States
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 (excerpt)
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…