Hydrogen Supplements Improve Dry Eyes and Tear Production
- Authors
- Miyuki Kubota, Motoko Kawashima, Sachiko Inoue, Toshihiro Imada, Shigeru Nakamura, Shunsuke Kubota, Mitsuhiro Watanabe, Ryo Takemura, Kazuo Tsubota
- Journal
- Scientific Reports
- Year
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41598-021-85895-y
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Dry Eye Disease
- Body System
- Ocular
TL;DR
Molecular hydrogen (H2) supplements could be a new effective treatment for dry eye disease, improving tear stability and reducing symptoms.
Key Finding
A small human trial of 10 subjects found that molecular hydrogen supplements significantly improved tear stability and reduced dry eye symptoms, while also increasing tear secretion in mouse models of dry eye disease.
Summary
Researchers tested whether molecular hydrogen (H2)—a gas that can be generated by special supplements—could help treat dry eye disease, which affects many people as they age or spend more time on screens. In a small study of 10 people and in mice, those given H2-generating supplements showed improved tear production, more stable tear layers, and reduced dry eye symptoms. The treatment appeared to work safely and may address both the tear instability and inflammation that cause dry eye disease.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage study suggests that hydrogen-generating supplements may help with dry eye symptoms, but the human trial was very small (only 10 people) and more research is needed to confirm effectiveness and determine the best dosing. Anyone considering this approach should consult their eye care provider, especially since larger clinical trials are still needed.
Abstract (excerpt)
AbstractThe incidence of dry eye disease is increasing worldwide because of the aging population and increasing use of information technology. Dry eye disease manifests as tear-layer instability and inflammation caused by osmotic hypersensitization in tear fluids; however, to our knowledge, no…