Lactulose Boosts Gut Hydrogen in Inflamed Mice
Lactulose mediates suppression of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colon inflammation by increasing hydrogen production
Research hubs: Digestive System · Immune System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Xiao Chen, Xiao Zhai, Jiazi Shi, Wen Wu Liu, Hengyi Tao, Xuejun Sun, Zhimin Kang
- Journal
- Digestive Diseases and Sciences
- Year
- 2013
- PMID
- 23371012
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- Lactulose 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 ml/10 g orally; H2-rich saline via peritoneal injection
- Duration
- 1 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 46 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Lactulose, a type of sugar, can help prevent and reduce inflammation in a mouse model of colon inflammation by increasing the production of hydrogen gas in the body.
Key Finding
Lactulose reduced colon inflammation and oxidative stress in mice with induced colitis, but only when gut bacteria were present to ferment it and produce hydrogen gas.
Summary
This mouse study tested whether lactulose, a type of sugar that gut bacteria ferment to produce hydrogen gas, could reduce inflammation in the colon. Mice given lactulose showed less colon damage, lower levels of inflammatory markers, and reduced oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules) compared to mice with induced colitis. When antibiotics were given alongside lactulose, the protective effect largely disappeared, suggesting that the beneficial bacteria in the gut are essential for this process to work.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study suggesting that hydrogen production from lactulose fermentation may help protect the colon from inflammation. However, results in mice do not automatically translate to humans, and this study does not demonstrate that lactulose or hydrogen water would benefit people with ulcerative colitis or other digestive conditions. Human clinical trials would be needed to determine if this approach has real therapeutic value.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a potent antioxidant and able to protect organs from oxidative stress injuries. Orally administered lactulose, a potent H2 inducer, is digested by colon microflora and significantly increases H2 production, indicating its potential anti-inflammatory action…