Hydrogen Water Reduces Exercise Damage in Athletes
- Authors
- Yue-Peng Sun, Liang Sun
- Journal
- Biomedical Research
- Year
- 2017
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress
- Body System
- Muscular
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen water helps protect athletes from cell damage caused by intense exercise.
Key Finding
Athletes who consumed hydrogen water had significantly lower free radical markers and higher antioxidant enzyme activity during and after high-intensity exercise compared to those who received a placebo.
Summary
Researchers gave 60 swimmers either hydrogen water or a placebo and measured markers of oxidative stress (damage from harmful molecules called free radicals) before, during, and after intense exercise. The swimmers who drank hydrogen water showed lower levels of harmful free radicals and higher levels of protective antioxidant enzymes compared to the placebo group.
Practical Takeaway
This small study suggests hydrogen water may help reduce oxidative stress in athletes during intense training. However, the study duration and exact hydrogen water dosage were not reported, and it's unclear whether these changes in blood markers translate to actual improvements in athletic performance or recovery. More detailed research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
Abstract (excerpt)
Objective: This study aims to investigate the selective protective effect of hydrogen water on the free radical injury of athletes after high-intensity exercise and to provide a reliable method for reducing oxidative stress injury of athletes. Methods: A total of 60 athletes from the swimming team…