Hydrogen Gas May Help Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Fixing Cell Energy

TL;DR

A special gas called molecular hydrogen might help people with chronic fatigue syndrome by fixing the broken energy-making parts inside their cells. Scientists reviewed studies showing it could reduce tiredness, but they need to do more testing in actual patients to make sure it really works.

Key Finding

Molecular hydrogen may help treat ME/CFS by reducing oxidative stress and improving how mitochondria function, though this conclusion is based on a review of existing studies rather than new clinical evidence.

Summary

This review examined whether molecular hydrogen (H2), a gas that may reduce harmful molecules called oxidative stress in cells, could help treat myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)—a condition causing long-term fatigue, weakness, and cognitive problems. The authors looked at existing animal studies and clinical trials and found that hydrogen gas may help by fixing problems in mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of cells), suggesting it could be worth studying further as a treatment for ME/CFS.

Practical Takeaway

While this review suggests hydrogen gas warrants further investigation for ME/CFS, it is not a summary of clinical trial results in patients—it is an analysis of existing research. Substantial clinical trials in ME/CFS patients are still needed before any conclusions about effectiveness can be drawn. Anyone interested in hydrogen therapy should consult their healthcare provider and await results from rigorous human studies.

Abstract (excerpt)

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disorder that is characterized by fatigue that persists for more than 6 months, weakness, sleep disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction. There are multiple possible etiologies for ME/CFS, among which mitochondrial dysfunction plays…

Read the full abstract via DOI