Hydrogen Water Improves Gut Health and Lowers Cholesterol in Mice
- Authors
- Yuji Naito, Yasuki Higashimura, Yasunori Baba, Ryo Inoue, Tomohisa Takagi, Kazuhiko Uchiyama, Katsura Mizushima, Yasuko Hirai, Chihiro Ushiroda, Yoshinori Tanaka
- Journal
- Medical Gas Research
- Year
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.4103/2045-9912.229597
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- High Cholesterol
- Body System
- Digestive
TL;DR
Drinking water with dissolved hydrogen (alkaline electrolyzed water) may improve gut bacteria and have positive effects on cholesterol and liver health in mice.
Key Finding
Mice given hydrogen-dissolved alkaline electrolyzed water showed significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels and increased production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids in their intestines, along with altered gut bacteria composition.
Summary
Researchers gave mice alkaline electrolyzed water (water treated to contain dissolved hydrogen gas) for 4 weeks and examined how it affected their gut bacteria and intestinal health. Compared to mice that didn't receive this water, the treated mice had lower cholesterol levels, better liver function markers, and changes in their gut bacteria composition—specifically higher levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (compounds produced when bacteria break down fiber).
Practical Takeaway
This mouse study suggests that hydrogen-containing water may influence gut bacteria in ways that could benefit cholesterol and liver health, but these results cannot yet be applied to humans. The study's findings are preliminary and would need to be confirmed in human trials before drawing any conclusions about health benefits for people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Increasing evidence indicates that molecular hydrogen-dissolved alkaline electrolyzed water (AEW) has various physiological activities such as antioxidative activity. Gut microbiota are deeply associated with our health through a symbiotic relationship. Recent reports have described that most…