Hydrogen Water Boosts Gut Health in Overweight Adults
- Authors
- Darinka Korovljev, Nikola Todorovic, Marijana Ranisavljev, Bogdan Andjelic, Nebojsa Kladar, Valdemar Stajer, Sergej M. Ostojic
- Journal
- Nutrients
- Year
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112200
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Serbia
- Health Condition
- Overweight
- Body System
- Digestive
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water for 12 weeks led to an increase in a beneficial gut compound, which could help improve metabolism in overweight people.
Key Finding
Drinking hydrogen-rich water for 12 weeks significantly increased fecal propionic acid levels in overweight adults compared to tap water.
Summary
Researchers gave overweight adults either hydrogen-rich water or regular tap water to drink for 12 weeks and measured the levels of short-chain fatty acids (compounds produced by gut bacteria) in their stool. They found that people who drank hydrogen-rich water had significantly higher levels of propionic acid, a type of short-chain fatty acid, compared to those who drank regular water.
Practical Takeaway
This early human study suggests that hydrogen-rich water may influence gut bacteria in ways that produce more propionic acid, which has been associated with metabolic health. However, the study did not measure actual health outcomes (like weight loss or metabolic markers), so it remains unclear whether this change in gut bacteria composition translates to real health benefits. More research is needed to determine if this effect is meaningful for people managing their weight.
Abstract
Fecal short-chain fatty acids are responsive to oral hydrogen in overweight adults. Propionic acid significantly increased in participants who consumed hydrogen-rich water for 12 wk compared with those who consumed tap water. This finding holds potential significance in addressing metabolic dysregulation.