Hydrogen Water Shows Promise for Autism-Like Behaviors in Mice Study
- Authors
- Qingjun Guo, Xi Yin, Meng Qiao, yujiao Jia, Dandan Chen, Juan Shao, Tyler W. Lebaron, Yuan Gao, Haishui Shi, Bin Jia
- Journal
- Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
- Year
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00170
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Body System
- Nervous System
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) may help improve behaviors similar to autism in young mice that were exposed to a drug called valproic acid while in the womb.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water reversed autism-like behavioral abnormalities in young mice whose mothers were exposed to valproic acid during pregnancy, with improvements linked to reduced inflammatory markers.
Summary
Researchers exposed pregnant mice to valproic acid (a medication that can cause autism-like behaviors in offspring) and then gave some of the offspring hydrogen-rich water during different time periods after birth. Compared to offspring that received regular water, those given hydrogen-rich water showed improvements in social interaction, anxiety-like behaviors, and other autism-related behaviors. The improvement appeared linked to changes in inflammatory markers (immune system chemicals) in the blood.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study that suggests hydrogen-rich water may influence inflammation-related pathways relevant to autism development. However, results in mice do not automatically translate to humans, and much more research—including human studies—would be needed before any conclusions about autism prevention or treatment could be drawn.
Abstract (excerpt)
Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, recent research has demonstrated that molecular hydrogen can serve as a new medical approach for depression, anxiety and traumatic brain injury. However, its potential effects on neurodevelopmental diseases, such as autism are still elusive…