Hydrogen Water Lowers Uric Acid in High Uric Acid Patients
- Authors
- Fenglin Wu, Jun Ma, Junli Xue, Xue Jiang, Jinyu Liu, Jiashuo Zhang, Yazhuo Xue, Boyan Liu, Shucun Qin
- Journal
- Heliyon
- Year
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36401
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Hyperuricemia
- Body System
- Renal
TL;DR
Drinking high doses of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) for 8 weeks can significantly lower blood uric acid levels in people with hyperuricemia.
Key Finding
After 8 weeks of consuming high-dose hydrogen-rich water, participants with hyperuricemia experienced a significant reduction in blood uric acid levels compared to baseline, with greater effectiveness at higher doses than lower doses.
Summary
Researchers tested whether drinking hydrogen-rich water (water infused with hydrogen gas) could lower uric acid levels in people with hyperuricemia (abnormally high blood uric acid). Over 8 weeks, 100 participants either drank regular water or hydrogen-rich water at low or high doses. The group drinking high-dose hydrogen-rich water showed a meaningful reduction in blood uric acid levels compared to their starting levels, with better results than the low-dose group.
Practical Takeaway
This small human study suggests that hydrogen-rich water may help lower uric acid levels in people with hyperuricemia, particularly at higher doses. However, the study involved only 100 people and lasted 8 weeks, so longer-term safety and effectiveness remain unclear. Anyone with hyperuricemia should discuss this with their doctor before using hydrogen-rich water as part of their treatment plan.
Abstract
Background: Consumption of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and metabolic-modulatory benefits. Objective: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the potential blood uric acid-lowering effects of HRW consumption with different doses (low and high doses) and duration (4 and 8 weeks) in patients with hyperuricemia. Methods: The Placebo group consumed three bottles of ordinary drinking water (330 mL per bottle), the Low-HRW group consumed two bottles of HRW (330 mL per bottle, H2 ≥ 4.66 mg/L) and a bottle of ordinary water, and the High-HRW group consumed three bottles of HRW daily for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the blood uric acid levels following different time points (4 and 8 weeks) compared to baseline. Results: A total of 100 participants completed the entire trial (32 in Placebo, 35 in Low-HRW, and 33 in High-HRW groups). The high-dose of HRW was more effective than low-dose HRW in controlling blood uric acid. Following an 8-week period, the High-HRW group exhibited a significant reduction in blood uric acid levels compared to the baseline (488.2 ± 54.1 μmol/L to 446.8 ± 57.1 μmol/L, P < 0.05). Conclusion: As a rather safe agent, the prolonged consumption of HRW may be feasible in the management of hyperuricemia. Clinical trial registration: chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2200066369.