Hydrogen Water Improves Chicken Health and Gut Function in New Study

Summary by Hydrogen Studies Editorial Team · Updated

Authors
Journal
Poultry Science
Year
DOI
10.1016/j.psj.2026.106640
Study Type
Chicken
Outcome
Positive
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Country
China
Health Condition
Oxidative Stress
Body System
Digestive

TL;DR

Oligomeric ultranano hydrogen water improved antioxidant capacity, gut development, and microbiome diversity in chickens without affecting growth or immune markers.

Key Finding

Hydrogen water supplementation significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activity and improved intestinal structure in growing chickens, while also increasing the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria.

Summary

Researchers gave young chickens either regular drinking water or water enriched with hydrogen molecules for 12 weeks to see if it affected their growth, immune function, and gut health. The hydrogen water didn't change how much the chickens ate or grew, but it did improve how uniform the flock was in size, boosted certain antioxidant enzymes (natural protective substances in the body), improved the structure of their intestines, and increased the diversity of bacteria in their digestive systems.

Practical Takeaway

This study was conducted in chickens, not humans, so its relevance to people is unclear. The results suggest hydrogen water may support antioxidant defenses and gut health, but much more research in humans would be needed before drawing any conclusions about potential benefits for people. Early evidence in animals indicates possible effects on intestinal development and microbial balance, but this remains preliminary.

Abstract (excerpt)

This study evaluated the effects of oligomeric ultranano hydrogen water (OUHW) supplementation on growth performance, immune function, intestinal development, gut microbiota, and metabolic profiles in growing layer-type chickens. A total of 96 healthy chicks were randomly assigned to two treatments…

Read the full abstract via DOI