Hydrogen-Rich Saline Linked to Reduced Gut Damage in Septic Mice
Hydrogen-Rich Saline Regulates Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction, Dysbiosis, and Bacterial Translocation in a Murine Model of Sepsis
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Mitsunori Ikeda, Kentaro Shimizu, Hiroshi Ogura, Takashi Kurakawa, Eiji Umemoto, Daisuke Motooka, Shota Nakamura, Naotsugu Ichimaru, Kiyoshi Takeda, Shiro Takahara, Shin-ichi Hirano, Takeshi Shimazu
- Journal
- Shock
- Year
- 2018
- PMID
- 29293174
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- 15 mL/kg hydrogen-rich saline gavaged daily for 7 days
- H₂ concentration
- 7 ppm
- Duration
- 1 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 69 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water improved survival and reduced harmful bacteria spread in mice with a severe infection that can lead to organ failure.
Key Finding
Mice treated with hydrogen-rich saline had a 69% survival rate compared to 31% in untreated controls, along with significantly reduced bacterial translocation (bacteria leaking from the intestines into the bloodstream).
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen-rich saline (salt water containing dissolved hydrogen) could help mice survive sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by severe infection. In mice with sepsis, hydrogen-rich saline improved survival rates, reduced harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream, strengthened the intestinal barrier, and lowered inflammatory markers and oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules).
Practical Takeaway
While these results are promising, this is an animal study in mice with artificially induced sepsis—not human research. The findings suggest hydrogen water may warrant further investigation for sepsis management, but much more research, including human trials, would be needed before any therapeutic claims could be made.
Abstract (excerpt)
ABSTRACT Bacterial translocation is a major cause of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in critical illness, and its management is an important therapeutic strategy. In this study, we focused on the key factors responsible for bacterial translocation including the intestinal microbiome…