Hydrogen-rich water alleviates constipation by attenuating oxidative stress through the sirtuin1/nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway
Research hubs: Digestive System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Kai-Di Chen, Kui-Ling Wang, Chen Chen, Yi-Jia Zhu, Wen-Wen Tang, Yu-Ji Wang, Ze-Peng Chen, Lin-Hai He, Yu-Gen Chen, Wei Zhang
- Journal
- World Journal of Gastroenterology
- Year
- 2024
- PMID
- 38855154
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Dose
- freely consumed hydrogen-rich water
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 21 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) may help relieve constipation by reducing oxidative stress in the intestines and improving gut health.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water improved constipation symptoms in rats by reducing intestinal oxidative stress through activation of a specific cellular pathway (SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1) and by modifying gut bacteria composition.
Summary
Researchers gave constipated rats hydrogen-rich water and found it improved bowel movements and reduced damage from harmful molecules (oxidative stress) in the intestines. The study identified a specific cellular pathway (SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1) through which hydrogen water appeared to work, and also found that it changed the balance of bacteria in the gut and altered certain chemicals in the blood.
Practical Takeaway
This rat study suggests hydrogen-rich water may help with constipation by reducing cellular damage in the intestines, but human studies are needed to confirm whether these effects apply to people. The study's findings are promising but preliminary, and anyone considering hydrogen water for constipation should consult a healthcare provider.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Constipation, a highly prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder, induces a significant burden on the quality of patients' life and is associated with substantial healthcare expenditures. Therefore, identifying efficient therapeutic modalities for constipation is of paramount…