Low-Flow Hydrogen Therapy Reaches Effective Blood Levels in Pigs
Low-Flow Nasal Cannula Hydrogen Therapy
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System · Respiratory System
- Evidence type
- Animal study (pig)
- Authors
- Motoaki Sano, Kohsuke Shirakawa, Yoshinori Katsumata, Genki Ichihara, Eiji Kobayashi
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine Research
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.14740/jocmr4323
- Study Type
- Pig
- Outcome
- Neutral
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Whole Body Health
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
TL;DR
Breathing in pure hydrogen gas from a low-flow generator can effectively raise hydrogen levels in the blood, which may have therapeutic benefits.
Key Finding
Low-flow hydrogen gas delivery (250 mL/min) through a nasal cannula combined with an oxygen mask achieved blood hydrogen concentrations (1,190–1,740 nL/mL) that match levels used in prior research studies.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen gas delivered through a nasal cannula (a thin tube that delivers gas to the nose) at low flow rates could reach effective levels in the bloodstream. They gave three pigs hydrogen gas produced by a portable generator at 250 mL per minute while also delivering oxygen through a mask. They measured hydrogen levels in the pigs' arterial blood and found that the hydrogen concentrations achieved (1,190–1,740 nanoliters per milliliter) were comparable to levels used in previous studies.
Practical Takeaway
This animal study suggests that portable hydrogen generators may deliver therapeutically relevant hydrogen levels through a simple nasal cannula setup. However, this is a small preliminary study in pigs only, so it does not demonstrate safety or effectiveness in humans. Further clinical trials would be needed to determine whether these blood hydrogen levels produce any health benefits in people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a biologically active gas that is widely used in the healthcare sector. In recent years, on-site H2 gas generators, which produce high-purity H2 by water electrolysis, have begun to be introduced in hospitals, clinics, beauty salons, and fitness clubs because…