Hydrogen Water Improves Cholesterol and Heart Health in New Study
- Authors
- Guohua Song, Quanqiang Lin, Hui Zhao, Meiyuan Liu, Fenglong Ye, Yujuan Sun, Yang Yu, Shoudong Guo, Peng Jiao, Yun Wu, Guoyong Ding, Qiang Xiao, Shucun Qin
- Journal
- The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
- Year
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.1210/jc.2015-1321
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water improved cholesterol levels and heart-protective functions of good cholesterol in patients with high cholesterol.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water activated a cellular mechanism (ABCA1) that helps HDL remove harmful cholesterol, and improved multiple protective functions of HDL while reducing LDL cholesterol levels more effectively than placebo in patients with high cholesterol.
Summary
In a controlled study, 68 patients with high cholesterol drank either hydrogen-rich water or placebo water for 10 weeks. Researchers found that hydrogen water improved how HDL cholesterol (the 'good' cholesterol) works in the body—specifically, it enhanced the ability of HDL to remove harmful cholesterol from cells. The hydrogen water group also showed greater reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the 'bad' cholesterol) compared to placebo, along with lower markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (cellular damage).
Practical Takeaway
This controlled trial suggests hydrogen water may support cholesterol management and HDL function in people with high cholesterol. However, the study lasted only 10 weeks and involved a specific commercial product; longer-term studies and broader testing would be needed to confirm whether these benefits persist and apply to other hydrogen water sources. Anyone considering hydrogen water should discuss it with their doctor, especially if taking cholesterol medications.
Abstract (excerpt)
Context We have found that hydrogen (dihydrogen; H2) decreases plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and improves high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome in a before-after self-controlled study. Objective To further characterize…