Hydrogen Water Lowers Bad Cholesterol in Metabolic Syndrome Patients
Hydrogen-rich water decreases serum LDL-cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome
Research hubs: Metabolic Syndrome · Cardiovascular System · Endocrine System
- Evidence type
- Uncontrolled trial (single-arm or pilot) · Human study
- Authors
- Guohua Song, Min Li, Hui Sang, Liying Zhang, Xiuhong Li, Shutong Yao, Yang yu, Chuanlong Zong, Yazhuo Xue, Shu-Cun Qin
- Journal
- Journal of Lipid Research
- Year
- 2013
- DOI
- 10.1194/jlr.M036640
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water helped lower bad cholesterol and improved the protective functions of good cholesterol in people at risk for metabolic syndrome.
Key Finding
Drinking hydrogen-rich water for 10 weeks reduced LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels while improving HDL cholesterol function in people with potential metabolic syndrome.
Summary
In this 10-week study, 20 people at risk for metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions including high cholesterol and excess weight) drank hydrogen-rich water daily. Researchers found that the hydrogen water lowered harmful LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels, and improved the function of beneficial HDL cholesterol by reducing oxidative stress (cellular damage caused by unstable molecules).
Practical Takeaway
This small human study suggests hydrogen-rich water may support cholesterol levels and reduce oxidative stress, though the study included only 20 people and lasted just 10 weeks. Larger, longer studies would be needed to confirm whether these effects persist and translate to real health benefits. Anyone considering hydrogen water should discuss it with their doctor, especially if taking cholesterol medications.
Abstract (excerpt)
We have found hydrogen (dihydrogen; H2) has beneficial lipid-lowering effects in high-fat diet-fed Syrian golden hamsters. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of H2-rich water (0.9-1.0 L/day) on the content, composition, and biological activities of serum lipoproteins on 20…