Hydrogen Water Protects Against Sepsis and Liver Damage in Mice
Preadministration of Hydrogen-Rich Water Protects Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Sepsis and Attenuates Liver Injury
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Masumi Iketani, Jumi Ohshiro, Takuya Urushibara, Mayumi Takahashi, Tomio Arai, Hideo Kawaguchi, Ikuroh Ohsawa
- Journal
- Shock
- Year
- 2017
- PMID
- 27918369
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Water (Dissolved)
- Dose
- Drinking hydrogen-rich water for 3 days before LPS injection
- Duration
- 3 days
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 42 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-infused water before exposure to a bacterial toxin can increase survival and protect the liver in mice with sepsis-like conditions.
Key Finding
In mice, drinking hydrogen-rich water for 3 days before exposure to bacterial toxin improved survival and reduced liver injury by decreasing oxidative stress and enhancing protective antioxidant responses.
Summary
Researchers gave mice hydrogen-rich water for 3 days before exposing them to a bacterial toxin that causes sepsis (a life-threatening infection response). Mice that drank the hydrogen water survived longer and had less liver damage than mice that didn't. The hydrogen appeared to work by reducing harmful molecules called free radicals and triggering the body's natural defense systems.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study showing hydrogen water may have protective effects against sepsis-related liver damage. However, these results are from mice only and would need to be tested in humans before any health claims could be made. The study's focus on prevention (drinking hydrogen water before exposure) also differs from how people might typically use such products.
Abstract (excerpt)
Despite significant advances in antibiotic therapy and intensive care, sepsis remains the most common cause of death in intensive care units. We previously reported that molecular hydrogen (H2) acts as a therapeutic and preventive antioxidant. Here, we show that preadministration of H2-dissolved…