Hydrogen Therapy Shows Promise for Heart Disease Prevention
- Authors
- Viliam Mojto, Ram B. Singh, Anna Gvozdjakova, Dominik Pella, Jan Fedacko, Daniel Pella
- Journal
- World Heart Journal
- Year
- 2018
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Slovakia
- Health Condition
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Scientists found that a simple molecule called hydrogen gas might help protect your heart and blood vessels by fighting harmful particles called free radicals that damage cells and cause heart disease. While early studies look promising, doctors need to do more research to prove this actually works in real patients.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen may act as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease development, based on laboratory and clinical evidence.
Summary
This review examines how molecular hydrogen—a gas that can be produced in the body or consumed through certain foods and supplements—might help protect against heart disease. The authors explain that Western diets and lifestyle factors create harmful molecules called free radicals that damage cells and trigger inflammation, both of which contribute to cardiovascular disease. They summarize evidence suggesting that hydrogen acts as an antioxidant (a substance that neutralizes free radicals) and may reduce inflammation, potentially benefiting conditions like stroke, atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), and heart attack recovery.
Practical Takeaway
While this review suggests hydrogen therapy shows promise for heart health, it is primarily a summary of existing research rather than a new study with results. The authors themselves note that larger clinical trials are needed to confirm whether hydrogen actually works and how best to use it. Anyone interested in hydrogen water should be aware that solid evidence in humans remains limited.
Abstract
Western diet, tobacco, and alcoholism are known to predispose to oxidative stress, deficiency in antioxidant status, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and increase in inflammation in tissues of various organs: beta cells of the pancreas, LDL receptors in the hepatocytes, endothelium, neurons, osteocytes and gut. Further studies indicate that diets rich in antioxidant flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber in foods were inversely associated whereas Western-type foods were positively associated with risk of mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Substances that generate free radicals can be found in the air we breathe, in the diets we eat, the water we drink, and the medicines we consume. However, high-fiber diets, prebiotic and probiotics can produce more hydrogen, which acts as an antioxidant and may inhibit free radicals. Recent studies indicate that molecular hydrogen can inhibit hydroxyl and nitrosyl radicals and can directly act as antioxidant in the cells and tissues, which can cause marked decline in oxidative stress, leading to decline in the inflammation that is a marker in the pathogenesis of CVDs. Clinical and experimental studies indicate that hydrogen therapy can provide benefits in stroke, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and ischemia-perfusion injury. Larger studies are necessary to verify the role of hydrogen administration in CVDs.