Hydrogen Water Improves Blood Flow in Blocked Arteries Study Finds

TL;DR

Drinking hydrogen-saturated water helped mice with a condition similar to human leg artery disease recover better by reducing harmful oxygen-related molecules.

Key Finding

Hydrogen-saturated water improved blood flow recovery and increased new blood vessel formation in mice with experimental peripheral arterial disease, while reducing tissue damage and harmful oxidative stress.

Summary

This study tested whether hydrogen-saturated water could help treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition where reduced blood flow damages limbs. Researchers gave mice with experimentally induced limb ischemia (blocked blood flow) either hydrogen-saturated water or regular water. The hydrogen-treated mice showed better blood flow recovery, less tissue death, and more new blood vessels compared to controls. The researchers found that hydrogen reduced harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species that normally interfere with blood vessel formation.

Practical Takeaway

While this animal study suggests hydrogen water may support blood vessel recovery through antioxidant mechanisms, it is a mouse study and does not yet demonstrate safety or effectiveness in humans with PAD. Anyone with peripheral arterial disease should consult their doctor before considering hydrogen water as a treatment, as clinical trials in humans are needed to confirm these findings.

Abstract (excerpt)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) impair neovascularization and perfusion recovery following limb ischemia in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Hydrogen molecules (H2) comprise an antioxidant gas that has been reported to neutralize cytotoxic ROS. The present study investigated whether…

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