Hydrogen Gas Improves Gut Health and Cholesterol in High-Fat Diet Study
- Authors
- Xiangjie Qiu, Qiaona Ye, Mengxing Sun, Lili Wang, Yurong Tan, Guojun Wu
- Journal
- Experimental Biology and Medicine
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1177/1535370219898407
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Obesity
- Body System
- Digestive
TL;DR
Saturated hydrogen treatment can help correct the imbalance in gut bacteria and improve blood fat levels in mice on a high-fat diet.
Key Finding
In mice fed a high-fat diet, saturated hydrogen treatment reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels while restoring beneficial gut bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria.
Summary
Researchers gave mice a high-fat diet, which caused weight-related problems including high cholesterol, imbalanced gut bacteria, and changes in genes related to fat storage. When the mice were treated with saturated hydrogen (hydrogen dissolved in saline), their cholesterol levels improved, their gut bacteria returned to a healthier balance, and the genes involved in fat storage decreased. The study suggests hydrogen may work by stopping harmful bacteria from thriving in the gut.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage mouse study suggests hydrogen water may help with fat metabolism and gut health through changes in intestinal bacteria, but much more research is needed. The study was conducted only in mice, so it's unclear whether these effects would occur in humans. Anyone interested in hydrogen water for metabolic health should consult a healthcare provider, as this single animal study is not sufficient evidence for health recommendations.
Abstract (excerpt)
Studies have shown that metabolic diseases, such as obesity, are significantly associated with intestinal flora imbalance. The amplification of opportunistic pathogens induced by the glyoxylic acid cycle contributes to intestinal flora imbalance. Promising, though, is that saturated hydrogen can…